HRCB Denounces Misuse of Anti-Terror Laws by Pakistan Government

The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) condemns Pakistan for misusing counter-terrorism measures to silence human rights defenders, political leaders, and activists. They demand the removal of advocates from the Fourth Schedule, end harassment, and uphold international human rights standards.

The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) has publicly condemned the Pakistan government's systematic targeting of human rights defenders, political leaders, lawyers, and activists. According to the council, the government is misusing the Fourth Schedule, a counter-terrorism measure typically reserved for actual security threats, as a tool to intimidate those bringing attention to the injustices faced by marginalized communities. The council argues that such actions distort the purpose of anti-terror laws, subjecting advocates to various restrictions, including movement limitations, financial freezes, and pervasive surveillance.

Recent incidents, particularly the misuse of the Fourth Schedule against activists like Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah Jee, reflect a disturbing trend aimed at silencing those who advocate for justice and human rights in Balochistan. Similar tactics have been directed at Sardar Akhtar Mengal, leader of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), following his opposition to the 26th Constitutional Amendment. Mengal and other BNP leaders have faced a barrage of harassment and baseless legal charges as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and weaken democratic representation in the region.

Moreover, the recent arrests of human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Abdul Hadi, highlight the Pakistan government's increasing efforts to silence critics. Known for her work against state abuses, Mazari has endured harassment such as surveillance and defamation campaigns. The HRCB warns that these actions create a pervasive climate of fear, deterring others from speaking against injustice and representing a flagrant violation of Pakistan's international human rights obligations, including those outlined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

In response, the HRCB is urging authorities to remove activists' names from the Fourth Schedule, halt the misuse of counter-terrorism laws, cease political persecution of Sardar Akhtar Mengal and BNP members, and free Imaan Mazari and Abdul Hadi. The Council stresses the importance for the Pakistani government to uphold international human rights standards and protect the rights of all individuals engaged in peaceful advocacy and dissent.

(With inputs from agencies.)