HRCP warns of rising political tensions

LAHORE:

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) warned the federal government and parliament that imposing an emergency or Governor's Rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa could further intensify political tensions and undermine the democratic process.

The commission urged the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to immediately resume meaningful political negotiations to address their differences through dialogue.

The HRCP stressed that citizens' fundamental rights must not be suspended under any pretext, cautioning against measures that could further aggravate the political situation in the province.

The federal cabinet on Sunday approved the imposition of a state of emergency and governor's rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. After rectification by President Asif Ali Zardari, this decision effectively ended the 13-year PTI rule in the province.

The government later launched a crackdown on protestors of the PTI's long march which was led by chief minister Sohail Afridi. The ex-CM was also detained under Section 144 of Maintenance of Public Order.