ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Amnesty International has expressed grave concerns over the recent actions of Pakistani forces during a protest in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing violations of the right to peaceful assembly under both international human rights law and Pakistan’s Constitution.
On Friday, several people were killed and wounded when Pakistani forces opened fire on thousands of protesters. “The use of lethal force at a peaceful rally advocating for peace is unlawful and contradicts the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials,” Amnesty International said in a statement.
The organization also condemned the restrictions on mobile internet services in Bannu, noting that such measures hinder the ability of people to mobilize, spread misinformation during emergencies, and create panic.
Amnesty International further criticized the Pakistani government for repeatedly failing to promote and facilitate peaceful assembly and ensure the safety of protesters. The government has faced ongoing accusations of violence against the country’s Baloch and Pashtun communities.
