Pakistan: HRCP Press Statement

HRCP strongly condemns the barbaric act and demands an inquiry by an international team of investigators. The Commission holds the Government of Pakistan and all the law enforcing authorities under it, responsible for this tragedy. It notes that in spite of the suicide attack on the former prime minister's convoy in Karachi in October and her frequent concerns of safety communicated to the authorities, adequate protection was not provided.

HRCP salutes the courage of Benazir Bhutto who, in spite of threats to her life, continued to address public rallies and be close to the people. She demonstrated in life and in death her commitment to the revival of a democratic process in Pakistan."

Issued on behalf of the HRCP Council (governing body).

Asma Jahangir, Chairperson,
Iqbal Haider, HRCP Secretary General
Zohra Yusuf, HRCP Vice Chairperson, Sindh
Mr. I. A. Rehman - Director, Mr. Shahid Kardar -
Treasurer, Mr. Zahoor Ahmed Shahwani (Advocate) -
Vice-Chairperson Balochistan, Mr. Kamran Arif -
Vice-Chairperson NWFP, Ms. Hina Jilani -
Vice-Chairperson Punjab, and HRCP Council Members: Mrs. Surriya Amirrudin, Ms. Rahila Durrani, Mr. Tahir Husain Khan, Mr. Malik Adeel Mengal, Mr. Habib Tahir, Mr. Afrasiab Khattak, Advocate, Ms. Musarrat Hilali, Mr. Sher Mohammad Khan, Ms. Salima Hashmi, Dr. Mubashar Hasan, Dr. Mehdi Hasan, Air Marshal Zafar Chaudhry, Ms. Shahtaj Qizilbash, Mr. Nadeem Anthony, Mr. Attiq-ur-Rehman, Advocate, Ms. Uzma Noorani, Mr. Rochi Ram, Ms. Perveen Soomro (Advocate), Mr. Ali Hasan, Mr. Jam Saqi, Mr. Ronald de Souza, Mr. Ghazi Salahuddin, Mr. Amarnath Motumal, and Mr. Asad Iqbal Butt.

27 December 2007