Pakistan’s political crisis has attracted international attention. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has now urged the government in Pakistan to respect the democratic process amid the no-confidence controversy.
HRW Associate Asia Director Patricia Gossman, in a statement, said both — the government and Opposition — should send a “strong message” to their supporters not to subvert the democratic process or sway the vote through intimidation or other criminal acts.
The HRW statement takes note of the incidents of violence and intimidation that took place in Pakistan ever since the Opposition submitted the no-confidence motion.
Read more: Opposition finally submits no-confidence motion against PM Khan
Pakistan’s No-Confidence Vote Should Respect Democratic Process https://t.co/aGqoZXvw33
— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) March 17, 2022
To clarify, on March 8th, the Opposition submitted the no-confidence motion. Two days later, on March 10th, Islamabad police stormed the parliament lodges which resulted in a clash. The police also arrested several Ansar-ul-Islam workers — a uniformed volunteer force of the JUI. However, the police released them a few hours later.
In addition to this, HRW further took note of the threatening statements made by Federal Ministers. For instance, Federal Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan said he wants to become a “suicide bomber” and obliterate the enemies of Pakistan and Islam.
In response, PPP leader Shazia Atta Mari urged the law enforcement agencies to take serious notice of such an open threat of terrorism from a federal minister.
HRW’s request to PTI government
Additionally, the government and opposition are grappling over the number game that would result in either the success or failure of the no-trust motion. For this, PTI and PPP are warning their MNAs of strict action if they go against their respective party policy. However, the Opposition has criticized the government for barring lawmakers from casting their votes.
Regarding this, HRW also mentioned SAPM Dr. Shahbaz Gill’s threat to party members. While talking to the media, Dr. Shahbaz Gill said if any PTI member voted in favor of ‘no-trust move’, he would be disqualified and photographs of traitors would be displayed in cities.
Pertinent to mention, reports emerged that PPP also warned its members of disqualification if they went against the party policy.
Read more: PPP issues notice for disqualification of MNAs – Fake or real?
Lastly, the HRW highlighted Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry’s claims on PTI’s power rally set for 27th March. To clarify, there are concerns that the D-Chowk rally will result in violent confrontations. In response to PTI’s public gathering, JUI-F also called on its supporters to gather at D-Chowk.
As a result of the alarming political situation, HRW has stated that the government has a responsibility to uphold the constitution.
“Parliamentary voting is a core democratic principle,” HRW said. “Attempts to obstruct it risk further undermining an institution vital to representative government and the rule of law.”