HRCP demands parliamentary commission 'to establish truth' in N Waziristan incident

Rights body decries use of military force against PTM activists; demands release of MNA Ali Wazir, other activists


May 27, 2019
MNAs Mohsin Dawar and Ali Wazir. PHOTO: FILE

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for the immediate formation of a parliamentary commission to "establish the truth" about Sunday's violent clash between the military and supporters of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) in North Waziristan.

In a statement issued on Monday, the HRCP expressed alarm over the use of military force  and said such actions "will be detrimental to the interests of the country and its citizens."

"This [May 26 incident] will further escalate tensions between PTM supporters and security institutions, consequently leading to a permanent wedge between the people of tribal districts and the state," said the rights body.

HRCP also demanded "the release of MNA Ali Wazir and any other activists taken into custody".

On Sunday evening, the Inter-Services Public Relations said a group of people – led by MNAs Ali Wazir and Mohsin Javed Dawar  – of assaulting a military check post.

The military said the group was trying to forcibly secure the release of a terrorist facilitator and that the protesters' aggression triggered an exchange of fire which resulted in multiple casualties.

HRCP, however, called for a review of the decision to use force against citizens. "There must be a serious attempt to genuinely address the grievances of the local population, which the PTM has been articulating peacefully for well over a year," read the statement.

"Moreover, with the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the state must ensure that the media and civil society have independent access to the former FATA. The country’s mainstream media must also understand its responsibility to report on this region fairly," read the HRCP statement.

COMMENTS (1)

Luqman Hafeez | 4 years ago | Reply
HRCP also demanded “the release of MNA Ali Wazir and any other activists taken into custody”.
Dear HRCP, there is a dead out of the incident and half a dozen soldiers in hospital nursing their injuries. Kindly return the dead to his family alive, heal all injured and have your MNA back. Thanks and best regards.
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