Human Rights Commission Calls for End to Emergency Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Islamabad, October 25 (Daily Kiran) : The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for an immediate end to the state of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This demand comes alongside a request for the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, including the provincial chief minister. The HRCP’s statement, shared on social media platform X, highlights that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the only province in Pakistan currently governed by the opposition. The imposition of emergency rule by the federal government raises serious concerns, according to the commission.

The statement was issued in the wake of the federal government’s suspension of the provincial government on October 12, which led to the detention of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and several cabinet members. Reports from the Pakistani newspaper Dawn indicate that Afridi, along with National Assembly member Junaid Akbar and Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, was placed in “preventive custody.”

The HRCP condemned the detention of elected officials, describing it as a blatant violation of democratic standards. The commission reiterated its previous warnings against the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing ongoing concerns about the erosion of democratic rights, the disenfranchisement of voters, and the arbitrary nature of detentions.

Highlighting the significance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the only opposition-led province, the HRCP stressed that the detention of its elected chief minister is a severe affront to democratic principles. The arrests of other elected representatives and political activists, including female members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, suggest a broader crackdown on political activities.

While the HRCP denounces extremism and terrorism, it insists that anti-terrorism measures must remain within legal bounds and should not justify collective punishment or excessive use of force. The commission expressed concern over the continued civilian casualties and the risk of mass displacement due to military operations, arguing that attempts to establish lasting peace solely through force have repeatedly failed.

The HRCP criticized the federal government for its initial decision to suspend internet and mobile services, noting that such restrictions hinder access to information and negatively impact education, communication, and livelihoods. The ongoing curfews and military deployments in North and South Waziristan, Bannu, and Miranshah continue to disrupt daily life for residents.

The commission also voiced alarm over police raids on PTI activists in Khyber, Peshawar, and Swat. It has demanded the immediate release of the chief minister and all others detained, an end to the state of emergency and governor’s rule, and the restoration of the provincial assembly. The HRCP urged the Pakistani government and PTI to resume political dialogue to effectively address extremism, protect fundamental rights, and ensure local ownership of resources.

In its conclusion, the HRCP warned that governing through emergency measures rather than consensus and democratic processes could inflict irreparable harm on Pakistan’s democracy.