HRCP opposes using Army Act to try civilians

Lahore: Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly opposes the use of the Pakistan Army Act 1952 and Official Secrets Act 1923 to try civilians in incidents of May 9.

The Commission turned to Twitter and wrote: “While those responsible for arson and damaging public and private property during the recent protests should be held to account,” adding that they remain entitled to due process.

All those civilians tried under these acts in the past should also have their cases transferred to civil courts, it added.

HRCP strongly opposes the use of the Pakistan Army Act 1952 and Official Secrets Act 1923 to try civilians. While those responsible for arson and damaging public and private property during the recent protests should be held to account, they remain entitled to due process. 1/2

— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) May 16, 2023

RCP referred to the horrific death of a young schoolgirl after a police constable opened fire in a school in Swat, injuring seven others, is a grim reminder of how vulnerable the young remain to wanton violence.

“Especially in KP [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa] where the state has failed to protect law and order, HRCP continued.

It continued that special investigation team formed must bring the perpetrator to book swiftly.

The horrific death of a young schoolgirl after a police constable opened fire in a school in Swat, injuring seven others, is a grim reminder of how vulnerable the young remain to wanton violence, especially in KP where the state has failed to protect law and order. 1/2

— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) May 16, 2023