The government has to ensure that the responsible are dealt with as per the law
SIALKOT: The innocent children of the parents, who were alleged to be terrorists and killed by CTD personnel on GT Road last week, seek answers to what they have been through. Why were their parents shot dead in front of them? This is one of the greatest tragedies in the world that the war against terrorism has given unbridled powers to the forces to kill anyone suspected of terrorism. Many innocent people have been killed on mere suspicion of being terrorists.
Such blatant violation of basic human rights and no regard for the sanctity of human life have become a common phenomenon in Pakistan. Pakistan seems to be moving towards becoming an authoritarian state with scant consideration for fundamental human rights.
It is easy to criticise while one is in the opposition. The PTI lambasted the PML-N for the Model Town tragedy and demanded that FIR be lodged against Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. Now, who is responsible for the Sahiwal incident? The PTI has been harping on police reforms and has promised to change the police culture. The prime minister claimed to have respect for fundamental rights of citizens often citing examples from the West. Now it is time for the incumbent government to act.
The government has to ensure that the responsible are dealt with as per the law. The culture of encounters must end. Everyone, even the worst criminals, have the right to a fair trial. Encounters are not the panacea for curbing crimes and terrorism rather they breed more terrorism. What does one think about these kids? Would they have respect and faith in our institutions and system? Violence breeds more violence. We have to change this horrible culture of encounters and killings.
Security forces should provide security rather than spread insecurity and fear. This atmosphere of fear and terror should come to an end and the government should deliver on its promise to reform the police. Otherwise, we will continue to live in a quagmire of fear and insecurity.
Advocate Tayyab Butt
Published in The Express Tribune, January 22nd, 2019.
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