Open letter calls for end to 'state violence' in Pakistan

In an open letter published on the New York University website, a group of Pakistani scholars and academics from different institutions across the world have called for an immediate end to state violence in Pakistan.

The group, the Pakistan Academics' Collective, identifies itself as a diverse group of scholars affiliated with institutions like Oxford University, Harvard University, London School of Economics, University of Toronto, New York University, Leeds University, New School for Social Research, Franklin and Marshall College, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Institute of Business Administration, Karachi and others.

The open letter, published on Tuesday and calling for others to sign the online petition, condemns various actions by the current Pakistani government, including the use of violence against protesters, curbs on media, restrictions on freedom of assembly and speech, and arbitrary arrests of opposition party leaders.

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The letter highlights the conditions that have deteriorated following the removal of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government in April 2022. Since then, the ruling establishment has been accused of exercising a reign of terror in an attempt to maintain power and curb public influence over the nation's future.

The authors argue that the current government, which they claim is operated by the military establishment, refuses to adhere to the Constitutional mandate and Supreme Court orders to hold elections. “The regime enjoys no popular mandate to rule and is depriving people of their right to vote, while seeking to eliminate the largest opposition party from the political arena.”

The letter further states that citizens are facing a severe violation of their civil liberties in Pakistan, including the military's “intention to establish military courts for trying civilians who protest and register their political dissent in the public domain, bypassing due process of law”.

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Furthermore, the government's disregard for judicial orders, coupled with difficult living conditions marked by rising unemployment, a depreciating currency, and escalating inflation, has contributed to a tense social and political climate, states the letter.

The letter culminates in a call to action, demanding the restoration of full civil rights, release of all political prisoners, an end to the usage of military courts for trial of civilians, and accountability for officials involved in violations and abuses. It also urges for respect towards the democratic process, cessation of military interference in politics, and an immediate commencement of elections.

It was unclear how many scholars or academics have so far signed the petition.