The arrest of over 400 human rights and political activists on November 27, 2006 in Balochistan province to prevent them from participating in peaceful protests when the head of state, President Musharaff, is to arrive for a two day visit from November 30 is a gross violation of human rights and these persons should be released forthwith.
According to all published materials available there are no allegations against these persons except for the fact that they might participate in a peaceful march to highlight the difficulties this province is experiencing. Suppression of such peaceful demonstrations is a violation of basic human rights that the state of Pakistan is under obligation to respect, protect and fulfil. The arrests and detentions, which are illegal and contrary to international norms and standards, not only brings about unwarranted suffering on the arrestees and their families but also creates the impression of a ferocious state that wants to reign by terror and not by democracy.
The Asian Human Rights Commission therefore urges that these persons should be released forthwith and be allowed to engage in any peaceful activity that they wish to join. The duty of the state is to protect such activities like protest marches, providing necessary security and thereby allowing the people to express grievances to their head of state whose duty is listen to his people. This duty to listen is a primary obligation of any head of state.
Balochistan is a relatively poor province despite of the fact that it is very rich in mineral resources including, gold, silver, copper, oil, natural gas, iron ore and uranium. There is a general feeling that the benefits of these resources do not reach the people of Balochistan in an equitable manner. The reason for the protests is basically around this issue.
Containing internal protests in such a manner that suppression of them will not lead to the deepening of militancy and the possible outcome of armed conflict, among other things, is the duty of the state. It is the duty of the state to keep democratic channels open at all times so that the discontent of the people, particularly groups of people living in poorer territories can be resolved by democratic means. There are sufficient lessons from around south Asia, particularly from Sri Lanka, that any democratic government should learn if problems that could be resolved through the democratic framework are not to be allowed to worsen by acts of suppression on the part of the state. We urge the President of Pakistan and his government to release all detainees, not to carry out any further arrests and to allow peaceful protests to take place.
(For further information please see our Urgent Appeal, PAKISTAN: More than 400 activists arrested within 72 hours prior to President’s visit to Balochistan, which may be found at: http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/mainfile.php/2006/2097/)
