Web Desk
Pakistan has firmly dismissed condemnatory statements from global human rights organizations, asserting that the country is upholding its local and international legal commitments. The response came from Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch in light of queries following accusations made by rights bodies and US lawmakers regarding violations and the arrest of thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters in connection with the May 9 riots.
The PTI, which has been accused by authorities of planning and aiding the vandalism during protests against the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, claimed that its workers, including women, were facing harassment in prisons. However, a committee formed to review their conditions refuted these allegations, and female PTI workers themselves stated that they were not mistreated while behind bars.
During her weekly press conference, the FO spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan operates in accordance with its constitution and laws, ensuring the human rights of all its citizens. She stated that Pakistan is fully compliant with local laws and international commitments, and dismissed the allegations of human rights violations as unfounded.
The spokesperson affirmed that individuals involved in the events of May 9 are being brought to justice within the framework of the law. Regarding fashion designer Khadija Shah, a prime suspect in the attack on Corps Commander House and a dual national, Baloch confirmed that the US Embassy’s request for consular access was granted, highlighting the adherence to constitutional and legal procedures.
The Pakistan Army has also rejected such allegations, asserting that action is being taken based on “irrefutable evidence.” The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that unfounded accusations against law enforcement agencies and security forces, including custodial torture, human rights abuses, and suppression of political activities, are aimed at misleading the public and tarnishing the image of the armed forces for trivial political gains.
The ISPR condemned the incidents that occurred on May 9 and reaffirmed the determination to swiftly bring the perpetrators of desecrating Shuhada Monuments, Jinnah House, and attacking military installations to justice under the Pakistan Army Act and Official Secret Act, which are derived from the Constitution.
The statement from ISPR emphasized that attempts to distort facts and use imaginary human rights violations as a smokescreen to conceal the true faces of those involved are futile, given the ample irrefutable evidence collected.
Please note that the content of this article reflects statements made by Pakistani officials and should be understood as their perspective on the matter.
