Pakistan: Civil Society Condemns State of Emergency
Source:
WAF/JAC Civil society and calls on citizens to show their support for the non-oath-taking judges and lawyers spearheading the resistance.
The Women’s Action Forum (WAF) and Joint Action Committee for People’s Rights (JAC) held a consultative meeting of concerned citizens including students and lawyers in Lahore today [14 November 2007].
Insisting that the judges who have refused to take the new oath be restored to their rightful positions and saluting the thousands of lawyers across the country who continue their valiant struggle for the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, and democracy in Pakistan, the meeting strongly condemned the state of emergency, the misuse of power to hold the judiciary hostage and the crackdown launched by the military-led regime after the imposition of emergency. It welcomed the activism of students.
The meeting appreciated the independent stand adopted by the media, PFUJ and SAFMA. It condemned the pressure being brought to bear upon the media and the restrictions being imposed by further amendments under the Press, Newspapers, News Agencies and Book Registration Ordinance (2002) and PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority).
Participants condemned all moves to undermine the fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed under the Constitution, such as the PCO and the amendment to the Army Act 1952 that will enable permanent military courts authorized to deal with civilians even after emergency is lifted.
Meeting participants reaffirmed their support for the judges and legal fraternity and pledged to resist emergency and all its different facets and:
The Meeting called upon all citizens:
· To support the legal community by, for example, visiting lawyers in jails and conveying support by sending them and non-oath-taking judges, postcards and flowers.
· To show resistance by, for example, wearing black armbands, resigning from government committees and boards.
The meeting concluded by calling for:
· The immediate withdrawal of the emergency,
· The restitution of the Constitution and full fundamental rights,
· The restoration of all the judges holding office on November 3rd
· The release of all those arrested and detained and the withdrawal of all charges,
· The immediate granting of Class-A facilities and visitation rights to imprisoned/detained lawyers and others
· The removal of all curbs on the print and electronic media.
--The Women’s Action Forum (WAF) and Joint Action Committee for People’s Rights, Pakistan
14 November 2007
