Working and statistics of DHRPK

According to research conducted by DHR, Amnesty International, The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan [HRCP], Human Rights Watch and other human rights organizations, there are nearly 4000 such detainees who were picked up by local Intelligence Agencies regarding War on Terror. In addition to these there are over 2000 persons who have been picked up from the province of Balochistan alone, and these were mainly those involved in nationalist movements. They are either being held in secret hideouts and torture cells within Pakistan, or have been handed over to the U.S.

The missing persons belong to a vast spectrum of society and include a large variety of ages as well. Even children have been picked up, some as young as nine years old. They include professionals such as doctors, scientists, teachers, IT experts, members of the armed forces and businessmen etc.

The number of cases registered with DHRPK is 660, but the figure is constantly increasing. The campaign launched by DHR was an extensive one, in which no stone was left unturned in the effort to find out the whereabouts of their loved ones. There have been countless rallies, sit-ins, press conferences and seminars all over the country. In addition, there are web sites and blogs trying to create awareness on an international level as well. There have been demonstrations outside practically every official building in Islamabad, such as the Parliament, the Supreme Court, Embassies and High Commissions, the offices of various human rights organizations etc. Letters have been written to the President, the Prime Minister, The Chief of Army Staff, various members of the govt., heads of HR organizations, heads of various intelligence agencies etc. Countless leaflets and flyers have been printed and distributed, and appeals have been made to all the human rights organizations, both local and international. There is no doubt about the fact that the tireless efforts of the aggrieved families did bear fruit, and it did result in a lot of public awareness as well as support. But as far as succeeding in their endeavors is concerned, they are still struggling tirelessly. For these people it is a question of life or death. They would do anything to be able to find out about their missing loved ones, and are willing to give any sacrifice in order to achieve their aim.

THE SUPREME COURT FACTOR

The new government was seen as a ray of hope, for the people who were disillusioned by the dubious façade of the previous government. February 18 stands witness to this increasing discontent among the masses, who felt that they were being pushed deeper and deeper into a quagmire of crisis and gave their unanimous decision against the policies of the previous government. With the imposition of emergency on November the 3rd, all faith was lost when 60 judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court were removed from office. Since then, petitions filed on behalf of the “Disappeared” have come to a standstill. Thus the fate of the “Disappeared” has become inextricably linked with that of the deposed Judges.

Our Basic Rights

Five basic fundamental rights which cannot be denied to the Enforced Disappearance persons no mater he is being picked or arrested under any allegation or charge under any given law of the world.

• Freedom to move and express.
• Contact to family.
• Legal aid of his choice.
• Production in front of any court of law before a magistrate.
• Right of the individual to be treated in accordance with law.

DHR aims to provide these rights and protection of Law to those enforced disappeared people. So that their basic human rights of Pakistanis should not be violated.

The motto of  the DHRPK consists of three words:

Determination: To persevere till all missing persons are traced and respectfully released.

Awareness: To ensure that all the affected families and victims of enforced disappearances know about their fundamental rights and get them as guaranteed by the constitution of Pakistan.

Courage: Not to give up ,continuing the tireless struggle until their aim was achieved.