The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has raised alarms over a draft law introduced in the Pakistan Senate that would empower district magistrates to ban public gatherings in Islamabad under various pretexts, including public order. HRCP cautions that if enacted, this legislation could be weaponized against political dissenters and rights activists advocating for issues deemed 'contentious' by the state.
The proposed law not only grants magistrates the authority to prohibit assemblies but also allows for the deployment of security forces and the detention of protesters who fail to comply. HRCP expressed its concerns via social media, stating, 'By seeking to hyper-regulate assemblies, the bill violates people's right to freedom of peaceful assembly under Article 16 of the Constitution.'
Furthermore, the HRCP urged the Committee on Law and Justice to reject the bill, highlighting its potential misuse against civil liberties. This development occurs amid increasing restrictions on freedoms in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, where heavy-handed governmental responses have been reported against public gatherings.
Additionally, the government has issued a memorandum restricting government employees from using social media without prior permission, aiming to prevent the leakage of official information. The memorandum stipulates that employees cannot share official documents or express opinions that could damage the government's reputation, effectively stifling dissent within public service.
The implications of these measures are profound, signaling a troubling trend towards greater governmental control over civil liberties and freedom of expression in Pakistan.