HRCP, journalist bodies slam govt’s plans to curb press freedom, human rights

A joint session of journalist bodies and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), held at Karachi Press Club on Saturday, expressed serious concern over plans of the present regime to curb the freedom of expression, freedom of press and human rights in the country.

The meeting also condemned the recently introduced Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024, which seeks to authorize the state to detain individuals for “inquiry” for up to three months.

The participants of the session, jointly called by Karachi Press Club, journalist bodies and the HRCP to condemn the blocking of VPN, said the government must ensure availability of internet services across Pakistan and lift the ban on X.

HRCP Chairman Asad Iqbal Butt, presided over the session, while HRCP Co- chairperson Munizae Jahangir, Haris Khaliq, Saleema Hashmi, Nazish Attaullah, Akbar Khan, Dr Tauseef Ahmed Khan, Habib Tahir, Nasir Zaidi, Lubna Nadeem, Sohil Sangi, Ghazi Salauddin, Fauzia Kalsoom Rana, Khursheed Abbas, Saleem Jabbar, Lubna Jarrar, Liaqat Kashmiri, Aijaz Ahmed, and others were present.

They participants declared that internet services must not be disrupted on the pretext of security. They also condemned the proposed bill’s provision for detaining anyone merely based on “credible information” or “responsible suspicion” without judicial oversight on the presumption that they pose a threat to national security or public order.

The participants said that given the recent upsurge in militancy, they recognize the urgent need to address the country’s deteriorating security and law and order. Preventive detention is not, however, the solution as such powers are liable to be abused.

They were of the view that the bill also empowers the armed forces to detain individuals on the mere suspicion and without civilian or judicial oversight. This is tantamount to legalizing the use of enforced disappearances and internment centers, with scant regard for the right to due process and fair trial as protected by Article 10 and 10A of the constitution.

The participants also pointed out that additionally, the grounds do not meet the threshold for the derogation of rights under Article 4, Paragraph 1, of the International Covenant on Civil and political rights. As such the amendment is open-ended rather than referring to temporary or exceptional circumstances.