The Asian Human Rights Commission wishes to draw your attention to the tragic case of Mr. Hazoor Bux Malik. As you should be aware, this case allegedly involves a vicious attack that resulted in the victim having his penis severed by police officers from the Market police station in the Larkana district of Sindh province. This heinous act, which happened overnight on 25 January 2007, must not go unnoticed by your office, nor must the blatant attempt by the Federal Minister of Narcotics to allegedly bribe the victim into submission.
It has come to our attention that after this matter was made public the Minister Ghous Bux Mahar called a meeting between the victim, his family and the alleged perpetrators, at his residence in Goth Wazirabad, Sindh on March 12. According to reports, high ranking police officials had also attended the meeting. Then, in an attempt to completely undermine the Pakistani justice system, the minister offered the victim a cash settlement and asked him to withdraw the complaint against the police officers.
The Asian Human Rights Commission can only hope that your government can see that this is not only a deviant act committed by one of your cabinet members but is also criminal. When state officers severe the penis of a young man in police custody, it must be considered a heinous crime. To deny justice to this victim and to provide protection to those who are involved in such a crime is inexcusable. Such a situation demands your urgent and immediate intervention.
We trust that your office understands the gravity of this situation and that the international community is keeping a close eye on its developments. We also trust that your office views torture as a crime against humanity and that any state official who engages in such act is punishable under the law. We ask that you immediately investigate the alleged bribe offered by Minister Ghous Bux Mahar, the perpetrators are arrested and that you ensure the safety, while compensating the victim, who will never be able to live his life the same way again.
Yours sincerely
Basil Fernando
Executive Director
Asian Human Rights Commission, Hong Kong
