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October 26th, 2006 Asian-American Network Against Abuse of Human Rights (ANAA) sponsored a talk by Ms Asma Jehangir who spoke about “laws and democracy in Pakistan This took place at the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies at 22nd and Park Avenue in New York City. Attendees were a very diverse group as far as age, race, and culture. Many non-Pakistani individuals
attended this event, and among Pakistani Diaspora,
all ages were represented.
Welcome remarks were given by Shazia Anam; Dr Amna Buttar, president and co-founder of ANAA introduced Ms Asma Jehangir as an icon for women around the world. Dr Buttar said that Ms Jehangir’s courage is an inspiration to Pakistani people around the world and embodies the human rights movement in Pakistan. Ms Asma Jehangir is an internationally renowned human rights lawyer, and she is the founder and chairperson of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. She is a special rapporteur to United Nations for human rights in Pakistan. Ms Asma Jehangir outlined the dismal conditions in Pakistan pertaining to human rights record of current Government of Pakistan. She said that General Pervaiz Musharraf’s Government is unconstitutional and illegal. Ms Jehangir condemned United States’ Government’s support of a dictator who is promoting lawlessness in Pakistan. While talking about unjust laws in Pakistan, Ms Asma Jehangir said “why are there more blasphemy cases now? Why are 100 children missing every month? Why more women are being raped? It is due to no law and order in the country and police have too much power and are unaccountable. Ms Asma Jehangir spoke about the current issue of unlawfully abducted and detained persons. Amnesty International has also issued a release recently asking Pakistani Government to be accountable for these persons. Ms Jehangir said that HRCP staff has verified 135 persons to be missing so far, and working on corroborating another 600 persons. Witnesses have seen these persons taken by military or police officials and then nobody can find them. This is a grave abuse of power by the current illegal military rulers. She also showed concern about how innocent people are being picked up and being labeled as “terrorists” without any proof or due legal process. Ms Asma Jehangir spoke about brutal murder of a Baluchi leader Mr Akbar Bugti. She condemned the brutality of military especially relating to Mr Bugti. Ms Jehangir brought our attention to current military brutality and oppression in Baluchistan. She said civil society must intervene and help change situation in Baluchistan. Ms Jehangir said “it is not a question of Balochistan, but a question of Pakistan” She spoke about Military-Mullah hegemony and cautioned people regarding the inevitable and deeper link between the Islamists and the Military. Ms Asma Jehangir said that Pakistani Diaspora and American public need to get involved and send letters to congress and other political leaders and ask for repeal of unjust laws, and due process for restoration of democracy. She also demanded independent judiciary in Pakistan; open chain of command of nuclear assets; and fair and unbiased elections among other things.
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