Karachi:Pakistan Human Rights Defenders Network (PHRDN) has expressed concern over reports of putting the name of a human rights activist Ms Jalila Haider on Exit Control List (ECL) and intimidation and harassment of other human rights defenders in recent days.
The network in a statement released here on Monday urged the federal government to respect the fundamental rights including the right to free movement of all citizens particularly human rights defenders who operate within the constitutional parameters.
“We are very concerned reading the reports that the government is putting the name of Ms Haider on ECL,” says the statement. “She, herself a lawyer, is a law-abiding citizen and the government must respect her right to free movement,” added the statement.
The network also notes with concern the increasing trend of harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders, particularly action against Women Human Rights Defenders.
Earlier the government had put the name of another women’s rights activist on ECL which was removed only on court orders. “We are deeply disappointed by the reports of putting Ms Jalila Haider’s name on ECL which will restrict her travel abroad.”
Ms Haider is a female activist from Balochistan and belongs to already marginalized Hazara community and had always used peaceful means of protest to raise voice against violation of human rights. “Any action against her would impact negatively on government image.”
PHRDN statement says that Ms Haider, a woman human rights defender has invested entire young age in creating awareness on human rights. She is internationally recognized Pakistani rights activist. “Instead of treating her as adversary, consider her ambassador of Pakistan she travel and represent Pakistan outside,” the network advises the government.
The network believes that human rights defenders including Ms Haider work very much in the parameters of the Constitution of Pakistan. However, if any government agency has any complaint against her, there could have been better ways to address these issues rather than considering putting the name of a Woman Human Rights Defenders on ECL.
The PHRDN has appealed to the Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Cabinet members to ensure that human rights defenders are allowed to work without any fear and intimidation and enjoy fundamental rights as guaranteed in the constitution of the country.