Saad Rafique’s arrest criticized

Published February 20, 2006

ISLAMABAD, Feb 19: Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights has condemned the arrest of MNA Khwaja Saad Rafique.

In a press release issued by PCHR Secretariat on Saturday, Shafique Chaudhry, the chief coordinator of PCHR, said it was an act to curtail freedom of expression in the country. He said the arrest was unjustified after the MNA had made it clear that he was not involved in any unlawful activity during the violent protest in Lahore. “The arrest of a member of parliament will not serve the government efforts to improve the country’s image,” he maintained.

He said if law-enforcement agencies had any allegation against Mr Rafique, they should have brought it into the notice of the speaker National Assembly.

Opinion

Political capitalism

Political capitalism

Pakistani decision-makers salivate at the prospect of a one-party state but without paying attention to those additional ingredients.

Editorial

Spending restrictions
Updated 13 May, 2024

Spending restrictions

The country's "recovery" in recent months remains fragile and any shock at this point can mean a relapse.
Climate authority
13 May, 2024

Climate authority

WITH the authorities dragging their feet for seven years on the establishment of a Climate Change Authority and...
Vending organs
13 May, 2024

Vending organs

IN these cash-strapped times, black marketers in the organ trade are returning to rake it in by harvesting the ...
A turbulent 2023
Updated 12 May, 2024

A turbulent 2023

Govt must ensure judiciary's independence, respect for democratic processes, and protection for all citizens against abuse of power.
A moral victory
12 May, 2024

A moral victory

AS the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on Friday in favour of granting Palestine greater rights at the...
Hope after defeat
12 May, 2024

Hope after defeat

ON Saturday, having fallen behind Japan in the first quarter of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, Pakistan showed...