Human rights campaigners are set to gather in London on August 30 to protest alleged enforced disappearances and political repression in Pakistan….reports Asian Lite News Desk
A Europe-based representative of the Voice for Missing Persons of Sindh (VMPS) has appealed to human rights activists and members of Sindhi, Baloch, Pashtoon, Seraiki, Kashmiri and Gilgiti-Balti communities to join a protest in London against enforced disappearances in Pakistan.
Sarang Hyder, also known as Sarang Sindhi and coordinator of the Europe Chapter of VMPS, said the demonstration would be held on August 30, observed as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
The protest is being organised by the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) and is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. near 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister.
A VMPS Europe Chapter delegation is also expected to attend the demonstration and express solidarity with families of people who are reported missing.
Hyder claimed that more than 100 Sindhi political activists are currently missing or are allegedly being held by Pakistani security and intelligence agencies. He alleged that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI), Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have been linked to cases involving political activists.
Families and rights groups have raised concerns over alleged torture, intimidation, enforced disappearances and other forms of mistreatment, according to Hyder.
He cited the cases of activists including Ayoub Kandhro, Sohail Raza Bhatti, Aijaz Gaho, Rashid Khoso, Akash Mallah and Anwer Burdi, among others.
Hyder described enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention, along with what he called the suppression of political dissent, as serious human rights concerns. He alleged that Pakistani state institutions and security agencies had used coercive measures against political activists, journalists, intellectuals and rights campaigners who challenge government policies.
The allegations have not been independently established in the material provided.
The London demonstration is intended to bring together representatives of several communities and human rights groups in a collective campaign against enforced disappearances, political repression and restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
Hyder said the protest would seek to send a united message in support of human rights, justice, democracy and freedom of expression, while calling for the safe return of people who remain missing.
He also urged the international community to speak out on behalf of families seeking information about relatives whose whereabouts are unknown.
The VMPS coordinator called on British parliamentarians, journalists, lawyers, civil society organisations and human rights defenders to attend the demonstration.
He also urged support for calls for independent and transparent investigations into allegations of abductions, enforced disappearances, torture and other abuses reportedly involving Pakistani security and intelligence agencies.
The protest comes as campaigners and families of missing people continue to use international platforms to draw attention to cases of alleged enforced disappearance and detention.
The organisers hope the London event will raise awareness of the issue among British political and civil society circles and strengthen international pressure for greater transparency over the whereabouts and treatment of missing persons.
Hyder said participation by different communities and rights groups would demonstrate solidarity with families affected by disappearances and reinforce calls for accountability and protection of fundamental rights.
