ISLAMABAD: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Friday censured a ‘burglary-style raid’ on residence of annual report editor, Maryam Hasan.
In an official statement, the HRCP said that the residence of Maryam Hasan, editor of HRCP’s annual report on the state of human rights in Pakistan 2017, was raided Thursday night in a burglary that lasted for about an hour.
According to the statement, the assailants took laptops, cell phones, jewellery and cash from the residence. Moreover, the assailants told Maryam that they broke into the house the day before, but did not steal anything since she was not home.
“They questioned Hasan about her professional engagements and intimidated her in a roundabout manner,” the statement added.
It was further mentioned that the Government of Punjab probe into the matter since the assailants were “not ordinary burglars”.
The HRCP highlighted that the provincial government will be responsible for any attempt by state or non-state actors to harass or intimidate any individual linked to the commission.
Last week, HRCP – an NGO monitoring human rights violations in Pakistan – published a report titled ‘State of Human Rights in 2017’ which pinpoints an increase in enforced disappearance and targeted violence.
The report also highlights the growing curbs on freedom of expression and association.
