HRCP condemns killing

LAHORE
THE Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Saturday strongly condemned the assassination of renowned activist and human rights defender Sabeen Mahmud.
The HRCP demanded arrest of her killers and immediate steps to address escalating threats and violence against rights defenders across the country. The HRCP in a statement issued on Saturday said: “HRCP is deeply perturbed by the fact that voices advocating rights and tolerance are increasingly being silenced through violence all over the country.” The statement said: “Karachi saw the killing of Orangi Pilot Project (OPP) director Perween Rahman who was fighting for land rights for the poor, HRCP coordinator Rashid Rehman was gunned down in Multan for defending a blasphemy accused.”“Our heart goes out to Sabeen’s family and to countless others who were privileged enough to know and work with her,’ the statement maintained.
The HRCP reiterates its longstanding call to ensure a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation to bring to justice those responsible in this and other cases of attacks on rights defenders.
The statement strongly urged the authorities to acknowledge the growing protection challenges for rights activists and adopt measures to ensure their safety and to end impunity for the perpetrators who have been systematically silencing Pakistan’s bravest daughters and sons.