In a firm response to global human rights organizations and US lawmakers condemning Pakistan for alleged human rights violations, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch asserted on Thursday that the South Asian nation adheres to its local and international commitments about legal rights.
The statement came amidst criticism concerning the detention of thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters following the riots on May 9.
Authorities accuse the former ruling party, PTI, of orchestrating and promoting the riots that arose after PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest. PTI alleged harassment of its imprisoned workers, including women, but a review committee and the women detainees themselves refuted these claims.
During her weekly press conference, Baloch defended Pakistan’s commitment to human rights, stating, “Pakistan is a country that runs in line with the Constitution and law. Human rights of all of the citizens in Pakistan are ensured.” She emphasized that the individuals implicated in the May 9 events are being legally processed and that allegations against Pakistan for human rights violations are baseless.
Read: Pakistan Army Commanders Urge Stricter Legal Action Against State Rebellion Masterminds
Regarding Khadija Shah, a notable fashion designer and key suspect in the Corps Commander House attack, Baloch confirmed that consular access was granted following a request from the US Embassy.
The Pakistan Army and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) have dismissed allegations of custodial torture, human rights abuses, and political activity suppression. After the Formation Commanders Conference at the GHQ in Rawalpindi, the ISPR released a statement highlighting their determination to swiftly bring justice to those who desecrated Shuhada Monuments, Jinnah House, and attacked military installations under the Pakistan Army Act and Official Secret Act.
ISPR added, “Efforts to create distortions and attempts to take refuge behind imaginary and mirage Human Rights Violations to create a smoke screen for hiding the ugly faces of all involved are futile and do not stand the abundantly collected irrefutable evidence.
