A UN panel has voiced alarm over the increasing instances of extra-judicial killings and torture in Pakistan. This concern was highlighted at a UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva by human rights expert Chongshi Yeah Joseph. Joseph urged the UN to intervene and hold member states accountable for these human rights violations.
Enforced Disappearances, Torture, and Killings
Enforced disappearances, torture, and extra-judicial killings are reportedly becoming increasingly common in Pakistan. Activists have accused Pakistan of systematic enforced disappearances, torture, and killings in regions including Kashmir, Pashtun, Baloch, and Sindhi areas. They are urging the UN to take decisive action against these abuses. Pashtun activist Fazal-Ur-Rehman Afridi stated that his group has submitted 6,500 confirmed cases of enforced disappearances of Pashtun people alone, with over 32,000 cases received in total. He also noted the existence of internment centers where detainees are allegedly tortured, killed, and buried in mass graves.
Balochistan
UN human rights experts have expressed serious concerns regarding Pakistan's counter-terrorism measures in Balochistan and have called for adherence to international law. They condemned reports of widespread torture, ill-treatment, extra-judicial killings, and indiscriminate violence by security forces, particularly against peaceful protestors and Baloch human rights defenders. There is also concern regarding the detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and their supporters. Experts are urging Pakistan to establish independent mechanisms to investigate enforced disappearances, criminalize such acts, and hold perpetrators accountable. They have also raised alarms about proposed internment centers for terrorism suspects in Balochistan, which could lead to further human rights violations. In Balochistan, seven Baloch civilians were allegedly extrajudicially killed by Pakistani security forces, with a surge in extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture across the province.
The Government's Response
Despite these reports, Pakistan has been re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council. The country secured 169 votes in the UN General Assembly. Pakistan has stated its commitment to upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms and ensuring that the HRC's work is guided by principles of universality, impartiality, dialogue, and cooperation.
Extrajudicial Killings Defined
An extrajudicial killing, also known as an extrajudicial execution or extralegal killing, is the deliberate killing of a person without legal authority granted by a judicial proceeding. It often involves government authorities targeting specific individuals for death, frequently violating the victims' human rights.
Historical Context
Reports and concerns regarding extrajudicial killings and torture in Pakistan are not new. In 2017, a UN panel condemned the widespread practice of torture in Pakistan by police, military, and intelligence agencies, urging reforms. The UN has also urged Pakistan to enact reforms to prevent abuses of power.
Call for Action
Given the alarming reports and accusations, there are increasing calls for the UN and the international community to take decisive action to address human rights violations in Pakistan. Activists are urging the UN to intervene and protect the lives of those at risk. There are also calls for Pakistan to comply with international laws and conventions, establish independent investigation mechanisms, and hold perpetrators accountable.
