- The subsequent actions taken by Shahbaz Sharif and Asif Zardari's regime, under the leadership of the new army chief, Asim Munir, have led to a grave violation of human rights and democratic principles in the country.
- Since seizing power, this regime has orchestrated a campaign of terror against innocent civilians, particularly targeting those affiliated with PTI, the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. These atrocities include:
1. The regime has ruthlessly suppressed freedom of speech and expression, censoring media outlets critical of its rule and intimidating journalists into self-censorship. Dissenting voices are systematically silenced through threats, abductions and violence, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
2. Imran Khan himself has been targeted with assassination attempts, false imprisonment, and baseless charges aimed at tarnishing his reputation and undermining his political influence.
3. Additionally, numerous top-level PTI members have been subjected to harassment, abduction, and forced exile, further weakening the party's ability to challenge the regime's authoritarian grip on power.
4. Peaceful protests in support of Imran Khan and his party have been met with brutal force by state security forces. Live ammunition, tear gas, and batons are used indiscriminately against unarmed demonstrators, resulting in severe injuries and loss of life.
5. The independence of the judiciary has been systematically undermined under the current regime, with judges and lawyers facing coercion and intimidation to toe the regime's line.
6. Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, has been subjected to arbitrary arrest and imprisonment on trumped-up charges.
7. PTI's election symbol (an integral part of the electoral process in Pakistan) was snatched from the party, severely handicapping it's ability to campaign under a single banner.
Under this backdrop, Pakistan went to the polls on February 8th and PTI still emerged as the single largest party.
This was unacceptable to the ruling regime and the results were tampered with. These reports of election irregularities have been substantiated during the March 20 congressional hearing in Washington, underscoring the urgent need for a thorough and impartial investigation.
The US, Canada, the UK and Australia are all nations with large Pakistani diasporas who are integral members of their respective societies. It is crucial that these governments exert pressure on Pakistani authorities to release all political prisoners, allow an independent investigation into the election irregularities, and ensure accountability for any violations of the constitution.
As steadfast advocates for democracy and human rights, the US, Canada, the UK and Australia have a moral obligation to stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan to ensure their mandate is respected.
