The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has welcomed the removal of 47 individuals' names from a list under 4th Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act in Gilgit-Baltistan, and called for a fair hearing for those remaining on the list. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commission said HRCP welcomes as a positive development a recent notification by the Gilgit-Baltistan Home Department removing the names of 47 individuals being monitored under Schedule Four.

An HRCP fact-finding mission to Gilgit-Baltistan last year had received reports from several activists that government agencies in the region monitor their activities after placing their names on the Schedule Four list over alleged links with groups accused of sabotaging law and order in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

The HRCP fact-finding mission had learned that individuals classified as posing threats to security by the agencies were forced to report their movements to local police stations and in some instances could not leave their districts of domicile without reporting their intended movements to the authorities. A failure to comply could lead to arrest. HRCP wishes to emphasize the need to respect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest, and fundamental right of the freedom of movement, particularly the freedom of association and expression, by all citizens.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017