Pakistan should withdraw all cases against lawyers and activists

The Pakistan NGO Support Group urges the new government of Pakistan to immediately withdraw all the cases against lawyers, journalists and political activists, because they were targeted for peaceful protest.

Falsely accused
Although most of the individuals who were detained have been released on bail, the cases against them are still pending. The Pakistan NGO Support Group expresses concern as many of them are falsely accused of very serious crimes such as unlawful assembly and sedition. Because of these false and unfounded accusations against them, these persons are restricted in their freedoms, such as their right to work.

State of emergency
On November 3, 2007 President Musharraf declared a state of emergency for Pakistan and suspended the constitution. On December 15, 2007 the emergency rule was abolished, but several laws and regulations that violate human rights that were installed during the state of emergency are still in place. 

New government
Pakistan has had elections in March 2008. The Pakistan NGO Support Group urges the new government of Pakistan to withdraw the amendments made after November 3, 2007. The government has a responsibility to respect and support human rights and has to bring stability for the people of Pakistan.

Background and information
The Pakistan NGO Support Group (PSG) is a platform of NGOs from Europe and North America, that work together with and in support of human rights organisations in Pakistan. For more information please contact: Justice and Peace, 0031 (0)70 31 36 800 or info(at)justitiaetpax.nl

Download the declaration (pdf)