Pakistan Following Indian Path In Making Draconian Laws
By Ravi Nitesh
29 October, 2013
Countercurrents.org
Pakistan and India, both are similar in so many things. Peace mongers and human rights activists actually take it in positive way and it is in fact one of the main base that makes a solid reason of similarity among the citizens of these two countries. Now, there is one more thing that is being 'made' by the government of Pakistan, and the same already exists in India as well. Unfortunately this thing, though in spite of being almost similar, is not a reason of any celebration, instead a cause that raise eye brow of human rights activists.
Recently, on October 11 and October 20, Government of Pakistan promulgated two ordinances, where the first is in amendment of already existed Anti terrorism Act- 1997 and second is Pakistan Protection Ordinance under which Law Enforcement Agencies (Police, Military, Para Military, Frontier Cop, Pakistan Rangers & Frontier Constabulary) have received extra ordinary powers. The first ordinance has also a power to fire or order the firing as pre-emptive measure. Under these ordinances, security personals can enter and search any premises without warrant and can confiscate any property without permission. This ordinance is encouraging long detentions (up to three months) and also the powers to track telephone and internet activity. This ordinance also exempts armed forces and police for being liable for any actions done by them during performance of their duty. Non bailable offence and minimum punishment of 10 years have been sought in case of conviction.
Unfortunately, India has already made such laws that violate the fundamental human rights and provides extra ordinary powers to security personals. If we see, we will find that the recent ordinance of Pakistan, is in line with the Indian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) that is still enforced in North east states and J&K. Under this act as well, security personals have powers to arrest without warrant, shoot at site, search the premises etc and with the more stringent provision of not registering criminal case.
Though, Pakistan government is seeking support from all political groups for its recent ordinance, it must be viewed that it can be harmful as Indian AFSPA. Though we are not suspecting any motive of government (of India and Pakistan) to fight against armed violence, but in view of the proved examples, it must be seen that such extra ordinary powers through such provisions can lead to human rights violations at large that in result will lead greater people dissatisfaction rather than providing them a peaceful life.
Ravi Nitesh is a Petroleum Engineer, Founder- Mission Bhartiyam, Core Member- Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign
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