HRCP calls for economic stability, political rights.

KARACHI -- The governing council of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed concern over the alarming polarisation in political discourse, saying it is detrimental to the cause of democracy, supremacy of parliament and constitutionalism.

According to a press release issued after the concluding session of its biannual meeting on Saturday, the council said it is equally concerned about the ensuing economic instability, the runaway inflation and the threat of food insecurity that are disproportionately impacting the working and middle classes. Punjab, the country's biggest province, stays in a political limbo. HRCP called for a non-partisan consensus on crucial issues facing the country.

The council highlighted multiple grave human rights issues being faced by the populace, including the impact of climate change evident in the recent glacial flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan, the ongoing heatwave in Punjab, the acute water shortages in Sindh and Balochistan, leading to provincial conflicts, displacement and loss of livelihoods.

Voices concern over polarisation in political discourse

It noted the worsening instances of police brutality against peaceful protesters across Pakistan with arrests of activists and political workers on anti-state charges becoming a common feature. Freedom of press is in continuous stress and journalists have been persistently targeted. The state must uphold people's rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly instead of retaliating with unwarranted violence.

HRCP brings to the government's notice that there is no let-up in cases of enforced disappearances, particularly in Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. What is worse is the uptick in enforced disappearances of Baloch and Pakhtun students. It reiterated its demand to enact the law that criminalises...