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Amnesty International has raised serious concerns over Pakistans decision to impose a state of emergency and governor rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that the measures could undermine fundamental rights, suppress dissent and expand the militarys role in the province.
Babu Ram Pant, Amnesty Internationals Deputy Director for South Asia, said reports of arbitrary detentions of key political leaders, including the provincial chief minister, and internet disruptions across the province had raised questions about the necessity and proportionality of the emergency measures. Emergency measures are not a blank cheque to crack down on human rights, silence dissent, or concentrate power, Pant said, stressing that any suspension of human rights obligations must remain within strictly limited circumstances permitted under international law. He stated that deploying the armed forces could further militarise the province, particularly given the history of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions during counterterrorism operations involving security forces. Pant urged Pakistani authorities to refrain from using military personnel for ordinary policing duties and ensure that all military operations comply with international human rights law. He called on federal authorities to establish independent oversight of actions taken under the emergency framework and ensure that all measures remain strictly necessary and proportionate. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the federal cabinets recommendations on October 11 to impose a state of emergency under Article 232 and governor rule under Article 234 of Pakistans Constitution. The government cited an unprecedented level of violent intensity of terrorist attacks and a breakdown of constitutional machinery in the province. The emergency provisions allow Pakistans federal legislature to enact laws concerning the province and permit restrictions on fundamental rights, including freedoms of assembly, association and expression. Under the presidential notification, the federal parliament will exercise the provincial assembly's powers. Under the new arrangement, the Chief Minister and provincial cabinet members, including ministers, advisers, and special assistants, will cease to hold office. (ANI)
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