Following a recent meeting, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)is deeply concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming generalelections. HRCP emphasizes the need for the Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP) to promptly announce an election schedule to ensure that the pollsoccur within the specified 90-day timeframe.
HRCP also emphasizes the importance of swiftly and efficiently completingconstituencies’ preparations, without allowing any delays. Furthermore,HRCP expresses apprehension about the potential manipulation of theelectoral process by institutions like NADRA and urges the ECP to safeguardagainst such manipulation.
HRCP is greatly alarmed by the escalating polarization in the politicallandscape, which is exacerbating religious and sectarian divisions,reportedly to create political space for far-right parties like the TLP.These parties employ divisive and violent tactics to establish theirpolitical identities, often at the expense of religious minorities andsects, eroding the organic political and civic spaces.
Additionally, the ongoing terrorist violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hasmade political parties hesitant to campaign in the province, creating atroubling pattern that should be avoided.
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Beyond ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, the current caretakergovernment faces the challenge of protecting and respecting people’s rightto peaceful protest and addressing the issues that ordinary citizens aremobilizing around.
