Human rights body highli­ghts grave violat­ions at the launch of its flagsh­ip annual report­The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Thursday noted that widespread social and economic marginalisation had left the weakest segments of society invisible and unheard. Women continued to bear the brunt of society’s fixation with ‘honour’, with Punjab accounting for the highest proportion of ‘honour’ crimes. The rights body also observed that Article 140-A has yet to be implemented effectively, given the prolonged delay in holding local body elections in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The restoration of student unions and space for trade unions to function remain cause for concern, the HRCP observed. HRCP Chairperson Dr Mehdi Hasan reaffirmed distress over the gross violations of human rights committed in Indian-held Kashmir since August 2019 and the imminent fallout of the situation on regional peace and stability.

Source: The Express Tribune April 30, 2020 12:22 UTC