Commonwealth Human Rights InitiativeNGO in Special Consultive Status with the Economic & Social Council of the United
Nations
B-117, First Floor, Sarvodaya Enclave, New Delhi – 110 017
Tel: 91-11-2686 4678, 2685 0523, 26528152 Fax: 91-11-2686 4688
E-mail: chriall@nda.vsnl.net.in
Website: http://www.humanrightsinitiative/.
Statement of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
Advisory Committee
5 November 2007
Declaration of emergency and suspension of Constitution in Pakistan
The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) strongly condemns the
proclamation of the state of emergency in Pakistan by Chief of Army
Staff General Musharraf. The imposition of a totally unwarranted state of
emergency, interference with the judiciary, dismissal, intimidation and
detention of members of the Supreme Court and high courts, mass arrests
and targeting of human rights defenders, including Chairperson of the
independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the UN's Special
Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Ms Asma Jahangir, are
aimed at stifling democracy and peaceful dissent. Political workers and
lawyers across the country have also been arrested to prevent any
organised opposition to the emergency. The freedom of the media has also
been attacked as private news channels have been banned and laws are
being amended to further control the press.
These actions run entirely contrary to the fundamental democratic
principles of the Commonwealth. As a member, Pakistan is bound to
comply with such principles.
CHRI calls on the Commonwealth to immediately condemn these actions
and suspend Pakistan from the Councils of the Commonwealth, while the
Commonwealth continues to engage with and support civil society working
towards an early return to democracy.
CHRI London
Office28 Russell Square
London WC1B 5DS, UK
Tel: +44-207-8628857
Fax: +44-207-8628820
E-mail: chri@sas.ac.uk
Advisory Committee
5 November 2007
Declaration of emergency and suspension of Constitution in Pakistan
The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) strongly condemns the
proclamation of the state of emergency in Pakistan by Chief of Army
Staff General Musharraf. The imposition of a totally unwarranted state of
emergency, interference with the judiciary, dismissal, intimidation and
detention of members of the Supreme Court and high courts, mass arrests
and targeting of human rights defenders, including Chairperson of the
independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the UN's Special
Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Ms Asma Jahangir, are
aimed at stifling democracy and peaceful dissent. Political workers and
lawyers across the country have also been arrested to prevent any
organised opposition to the emergency. The freedom of the media has also
been attacked as private news channels have been banned and laws are
being amended to further control the press.
These actions run entirely contrary to the fundamental democratic
principles of the Commonwealth. As a member, Pakistan is bound to
comply with such principles.
CHRI calls on the Commonwealth to immediately condemn these actions
and suspend Pakistan from the Councils of the Commonwealth, while the
Commonwealth continues to engage with and support civil society working
towards an early return to democracy.
CHRI London
Office28 Russell Square
London WC1B 5DS, UK
Tel: +44-207-8628857
Fax: +44-207-8628820
E-mail: chri@sas.ac.uk
