Media: INP (Pakistan)
Byline: N/A
Date 06 May 2016
The United States has said it is concerned about the allegations of gross violations of human rights in Pakistan by its security forces during its counter terrorism operations. “We have seen the reports of his (a local Pakistan leader’s) death while in military custody, and we would direct you to the Pakistanis for any further information on the events surrounding his death,” State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau said.
She was responding to a question on the death of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) worker Aftab Ahmed, who died in the custody of Rangers paramilitary force under controversial circumstances. “Even as Pakistan undertakes difficult and important counterterrorism operations on its territory, the US remains concerned about allegations of gross violations of human rights in Pakistan,” Trudeau said. “Indeed, we consistently discuss these concerns with the government of Pakistan, in both civilian and military channels, as part of our ongoing dialogue on counterterrorism and security cooperation,” she said.
“That dialogue, including at the highest levels, emphasises that any excessive or extrajudicial use of force or breaches in due process and the rule of law ultimately undermines Pakistan’s democracy and long-term counterterrorism efforts,” Trudeau said. Last week in a memorandum to the State Department and US lawmakers, the MQM alleged that the Pakistani army and its paramilitary Rangers are conducting atrocities against Muhajir community in Karachi.
The memorandum titled “SOS” was accompanied with a fact sheet report about extrajudicial killing, arrest and missing workers in Karachi since 2013. Copies of the memorandum along with the report were also presented to members of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee by members of MQM on Wednesday. “Since 2013, thousands of MQM workers have been arrested and tortured by paramilitary rangers, dozens have been extra judicially murdered and hundreds have disappeared while their whereabouts are still unknown,” the memorandum said.
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