Military Undermines Government on Human Rights

[waraich66]

PAKISTAN: Military Undermines Government on Human Rights

(New York, January 21, 2010) -- Pakistan's military actively undermined the civilian government's human rights agenda in 2009, Human Rights Watch said today in its new World Report 2010.

The 612-page report, the organization's 20th annual review of human rights practices around the globe, summarizes major human rights trends in more than 90 nations and territories worldwide.

The report says that Pakistan's military publicly and privately resisted the government's reconciliation efforts in the troubled province of Balochistan and attempts to locate people "disappeared" there during General Pervez Musharraf's military rule. The military also opposed the international community's attempts to end military intervention in the political and judicial processes through aid conditions.

"The Pakistani military continues to subvert the political and judicial systems in Pakistan," said Ali Dayan Hasan, senior South Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch. "After eight years of disastrous military rule and in spite of the election of a civilian government, the army appears determined to continue calling the shots in order to ensure that it can continue to perpetrate abuses with impunity."

In October, US President Barack Obama signed into law the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act, promising US.5 billion in non-military aid over five years. Known as the Kerry-Lugar Act, the law places conditions on the military component of the aid. This includes a requirement for the US secretary of state to certify, before aid can be delivered, that the Pakistani military is combating terrorism, not engaged in nuclear proliferation, and not "materially and substantially subverting the political or judicial processes of Pakistan."

The Pakistani military led a backlash against these requirements, in an apparent attempt to destabilize the elected government and force the resignation of President Asif Zardari. It publicly rebuked the government for not opposing these conditions and pressed the foreign minister to travel to Washington to ease them.

"For constitutional rule to take root in Pakistan, the military needs to accept the primacy of civilian rule," said Hasan. "The military needs to recognize that it no longer runs the show in Pakistan."

Human Rights Watch said that Pakistan's civilian government took a major step forward in December by formally acknowledging serious human rights abuses against the Baloch, including the enforced disappearance of hundreds of people during eight years of military rule, and announcing a reconciliation process in the troubled province. However, the military has blocked attempts by the government to locate the "disappeared" and continues to exercise sway over the province, muzzling the local media and using its intelligence agencies to undermine the provincial and federal government's reconciliation efforts.

There were new reports of torture and arbitrary detention of Baloch nationalists at the hands of the military's intelligence agencies, and targeted killings by Baloch nationalists of non-Baloch settlers also spiked sharply, Human Rights Watch said.

Hundreds of Pakistanis were killed in dozens of suicide and bomb attacks perpetrated by Taliban and al-Qaeda affiliated groups. The attacks targeted civilians, political leaders, educational institutions, hospitals, and marketplaces. These armed groups also continued to recruit and use children, including for suicide attacks.

"The Taliban's actions amount to war crimes, and the Pakistan government should use all legal means possible to hold them accountable for these heinous abuses," Hasan said. "But Taliban atrocities are no justification for new laws that violate fundamental rights or unlawful counter-terrorism operations by Pakistani and US forces."

The government's response to militant attacks routinely violated basic rights, Human Rights Watch said. Hundreds were detained in a nationwide crackdown on militant groups, particularly in the conflict zones in Swat and the tribal areas. Many of these suspects were detained in two military facilities in Swat, one in the Khyber agency of the tribal areas, and at least one more in Northwest Frontier Province. The military has not allowed independent monitors access to most of these detainees.

Since September 2008, US aerial drones are believed to have carried out dozens of missile attacks on suspected militant hideouts in Pakistan's tribal areas, killing hundreds of civilians in addition to alleged militants, and prompting allegations that US attacks have violated the laws of war. The areas of the attacks are generally inaccessible to independent monitors, making it difficult to assess the allegations, Human Rights Watch said.

In October, the government amended the country's anti-terrorism laws through presidential ordinance to curtail further the legal rights of terrorism suspects. Under the ordinance, suspects can be placed in preventive detention for 90 days without judicial review or the right to post bail. Confessions to the police or military are admissible as evidence thought Pakistan's police and the military's intelligence services routinely torture suspects.

Other human rights concerns include the breakdown of law enforcement in the face of terrorism across the country, the failure of the judiciary to transform its newfound independence into non-partisan dispensation of justice, military abuses in operations in the tribal areas and Swat, and discriminatory laws against and mistreatment of religious minorities and women.

"Pakistan's elected government took several political and legal steps to improve human rights protections in the country in 2009," Hasan said. "However, serious challenges remain unaddressed, and the government's soaring rhetoric on rights remains unmatched by commensurate actions. This year should be a year of action, not just words."

To read Human Rights Watch's World Report 2010 chapter on Pakistan, please visit:Pakistan | Human Rights Watch

For more information, please contact:In Lahore, Ali Dayan Hasan (English, Urdu): +92-300-842-5125 (mobile)In London, Brad Adams (English): +44-20-7713-2767; or +44-7908-728-333 (mobile)

[AHRC Forwarded Press Release] PAKISTAN: Military Undermines Government on Human Rights

 

[evolutionist]

I don't understand why Pakistanis are so proud of their military. Military is not the solution but Military is the problem. The government and its foreign policy is controlled by the military. Military constantly interferes in politics carries out political assassinations( like ZAB, just 1 example), also was responsible the loss of East Pakistan and Kargil debacle. COAS, every few days boasts about nuclear preparedness and country's defence capabilities. He holds talks with PM & President frequently(and gets news coverage). There is always a Corps Commanders' meeting every now and then. He is always in the news. You don't see this with other nuclear countries like China, France or Israel's general getting in the news or boasting about their nuclear capabilities or getting such prominence.

 

[pak-yes]

Military or Civilians both are same as far as performance is concerned.So Doesn't matter who is in the government.

Even a Madman can be a good president if he solves the problems of his people.

 

[Slides]

What are the credentials this "Asian Human Rights Commission"? Who are its members? What it its methodology in issuing press releases? Surely, you would have done your homework before posting something from a website as fact or worthy of discussion Fundamentalist?

This organization appears to be be only a mechanism for releasing press releases.

 

[PAFAce]

I don't understand why Pakistanis are so proud of their military. Military is not the solution but Military is the problem. The government and its foreign policy is controlled by the military. Military constantly interferes in politics carries out political assassinations( like ZAB, just 1 example), also was responsible the loss of East Pakistan and Kargil debacle. COAS, every few days boasts about nuclear preparedness and country's defence capabilities. He holds talks with PM & President frequently(and gets news coverage). There is always a Corps Commanders' meeting every now and then. He is always in the news. You don't see this with other nuclear countries like China, France or Israel's general getting in the news or boasting about their nuclear capabilities or getting such prominence.

Thogh I agree that Pakistan's Armed Forces have often interefered with government and civilian tasks, it is unfair to claim that all of the Armed Forces are that way. See, the objective of the Armed Forces of Pakistan is clear, to protect it from internal and external threats. Any time the military sees things going in a direction they deem to be unsafe for Pakistan's security, they step in. This is why Corps Commander meetings and COAS visits occur as often as they do.

However, there is another aspect to it. Pakistan has lived, since its beginning, in a very toxic environment. Each of our neighbours have, at different times, been good allies and hateful rivals. Hence, Pakistan was forced to not only develop its military capability quickly and efficiently, we also had to give them more responsibilities than are generally placed on the Armed Forces. The people of Pakistan, time and again, have elected governments that have been poisonous for the country, and time and again, the people have turned to the military for support. This is why every military take-over has always been met with great zeal at first, which fizzles out at the realization that the military leaders are no more fit to lead the nation as the political ones.

Lastly, as the most capable institution of the country, the Armed Forces of Pakistan have had to deal with more than most forces do. Time and again they have had to deal with the incompetence of political leaders, lack of law enforcement forces etc. This has lead to a feeling of "if we don't do it, no one will" in the psyche of the average Officer, which is why they try to do it all themselves. Unfortunately, military officers generally don't make great democratic leaders and generally lack the diplomatic tools required. That is largely what has happened in Balochistan as well. The incompetency and lack of interest by the military and political leadership displayed has lead us into one giant mess. The problem is still far from out of control, but it certainly isn't as rosy as Gen. (R) Musharraf paints it.

The current government is trying to do the right things, even if they may have the wrong intentions. The Army, too, have recently been increasingly engaging in more passive ways to deal with the situation than before. Things are certainly moving in a good direction right now, but they need to be accelerated as soon as possible because the average Balochi isn't seeing the fruits of improvement yet.

 

[waraich66]

Thogh I agree that Pakistan's Armed Forces have often interefered with government and civilian tasks, it is unfair to claim that all of the Armed Forces are that way. See, the objective of the Armed Forces of Pakistan is clear, to protect it from internal and external threats. Any time the military sees things going in a direction they deem to be unsafe for Pakistan's security, they step in. This is why Corps Commander meetings and COAS visits occur as often as they do.

However, there is another aspect to it. Pakistan has lived, since its beginning, in a very toxic environment. Each of our neighbours have, at different times, been good allies and hateful rivals. Hence, Pakistan was forced to not only develop its military capability quickly and efficiently, we also had to give them more responsibilities than are generally placed on the Armed Forces. The people of Pakistan, time and again, have elected governments that have been poisonous for the country, and time and again, the people have turned to the military for support. This is why every military take-over has always been met with great zeal at first, which fizzles out at the realization that the military leaders are no more fit to lead the nation as the political ones.

Lastly, as the most capable institution of the country, the Armed Forces of Pakistan have had to deal with more than most forces do. Time and again they have had to deal with the incompetence of political leaders, lack of law enforcement forces etc. This has lead to a feeling of "if we don't do it, no one will" in the psyche of the average Officer, which is why they try to do it all themselves. Unfortunately, military officers generally don't make great democratic leaders and generally lack the diplomatic tools required. That is largely what has happened in Balochistan as well. The incompetency and lack of interest by the military and political leadership displayed has lead us into one giant mess. The problem is still far from out of control, but it certainly isn't as rosy as Gen. (R) Musharraf paints it.

The current government is trying to do the right things, even if they may have the wrong intentions. The Army, too, have recently been increasingly engaging in more passive ways to deal with the situation than before. Things are certainly moving in a good direction right now, but they need to be accelerated as soon as possible because the average Balochi isn't seeing the fruits of improvement yet.

I was expecting your cool headed reply , thanks for usefull post again.

I think both politicians and army is responsible for present instability in Pakistan.

Let hope for the best for future but we need to restucture our western style of democratic system to Islamic Khalifat system for rectification of corruption from top to botton and for poverty elimination .

Justice,Health,Education and shelter is responsibility of state which is not available to poor majority of Pakistan.

 

[Slides]

I was expecting your cool headed reply , thanks for usefull post again.

I think both politicians and army is responsible for present instability in Pakistan.

Let hope for the best for future but we need to restucture our western style of democratic system to Islamic Khalifat system for rectification of corruption from top to botton and for poverty elimination .

Justice,Health,Education and shelter is responsibility of state which is not available to poor majority of Pakistan.

Also, please respond to my post.

 

[waraich66]

Also, please respond to my post.

I think this reprt can effect on donars agencies and IMF because it could reduce financial ranking of Pakistan.You have to pay higher intrest rates to cover the risk factor.

THINK TANKERS may have better clue?

 

[third eye]

Thogh I agree that Pakistan's Armed Forces have often interefered with government and civilian tasks, it is unfair to claim that all of the Armed Forces are that way. See, the objective of the Armed Forces of Pakistan is clear, to protect it from internal and external threats. Any time the military sees things going in a direction they deem to be unsafe for Pakistan's security, they step in. This is why Corps Commander meetings and COAS visits occur as often as they do.

Not that anyone has a right to comment on the internal goings on of another nation but here it is pertinent to note that there is a very thin line between what is bad for a nation and what is bad for the army.

A dexterous pair of hands cannot to what the feet are meant for. Each organ of state machinery is meant to perform a particular role. It is worth noting that each time Pak has gone to war there was a military ruler at the helm.The wars only worsened a bad situation leading to eventual dismemberment .The Corps commanders ought to have a role only when called upon not as a matter of right. History shows that their judgements have also not been the best so what is the diff ?

In military units the system of functioning is such that the same officer is the Quartermaster ( logistics) / Adjutant ( discipline, wlefare etc)/ Company Comander ( a bit of everything)/ Second in Command ( handling accounts) / Commanding Officer ( CEO) at different times. He then tends to feel that he can do the same at national level too - with indifferent results. The masses do not come under the Army Act neither does a well oiled & systematized system of logistics exist in civvy street.

However, there is another aspect to it. Pakistan has lived, since its beginning, in a very toxic environment. Each of our neighbours have, at different times, been good allies and hateful rivals. Hence, Pakistan was forced to not only develop its military capability quickly and efficiently, we also had to give them more responsibilities than are generally placed on the Armed Forces. The people of Pakistan, time and again, have elected governments that have been poisonous for the country, and time and again, the people have turned to the military for support. This is why every military take-over has always been met with great zeal at first, which fizzles out at the realization that the military leaders are no more fit to lead the nation as the political ones.

The ' toxicity' that existed for Pak was the same for India. Except for '62 all wars India fought were wi Pak.

Glad you brought out the highlighted part above. The bottom line is that humans are the same. Politicians can be kicked out by law ( elections) Generals can't. Next, Generals are not accounable as they know the same man will not come back to lead the nation, Pol parties do have to seek re election hence are naturally more accountable.

Lastly, as the most capable institution of the country, the Armed Forces of Pakistan have had to deal with more than most forces do. Time and again they have had to deal with the incompetence of political leaders, lack of law enforcement forces etc. This has lead to a feeling of "if we don't do it, no one will" in the psyche of the average Officer, which is why they try to do it all themselves. Unfortunately, military officers generally don't make great democratic leaders and generally lack the diplomatic tools required. That is largely what has happened in Balochistan as well. The incompetency and lack of interest by the military and political leadership displayed has lead us into one giant mess. The problem is still far from out of control, but it certainly isn't as rosy as Gen. (R) Musharraf paints it.

The current government is trying to do the right things, even if they may have the wrong intentions. The Army, too, have recently been increasingly engaging in more passive ways to deal with the situation than before. Things are certainly moving in a good direction right now, but they need to be accelerated as soon as possible because the average Balochi isn't seeing the fruits of improvement yet.

All said & done, nothing grows in shade. The Politicians too have to given time to make mistakes & correct themselves without the sword of a Coup hanging n them.

The lack of accountability makes uniformed orgnisations appear better than others. It is always not so.

 

[Slides]

I think this reprt can effect on donars agencies and IMF because it could reduce financial ranking of Pakistan.You have to pay higher intrest rates to cover the risk factor.

THINK TANKERS may have better clue?

I asked you about credential and methodology of Asian Human Rights Commission. It is highly un-Islamic practice to pass something without verifying.

 

[waraich66]

I asked you about credential and methodology of Asian Human Rights Commission. It is highly un-Islamic practice to pass something without verifying.

Asian Human Rights Commission - AHRC

If you have little sense , you can check your self , i cant understand what verification you need ?

Critisim for sake of critisim nothing else .

Thanks

 

[Slides]

Asian Human Rights Commission - AHRC

If you have little sense , you can check your self , i cant understand what verification you need ?

Critisim for sake of critisim nothing else .

Thanks

What can I check from that website? When psoting news, you should check source and inform us of it's validity. For me, its just a website issuing press releases. "Human rights" organizations often have very pointed political agendas and thus can't be relied on 100% of the time.

 

[kidwaibhai]

I think this is an evolutionary process. the more capable civilian governments will become the more they will wrestle control from the status quo power ala the military.

 

[S-2]

"Human rights" organizations often have very pointed political agendas and thus can't be relied on 100% of the time."

Some are better than others. Amnesty Internat'l works hard to source data and do a fine job documenting issues generally. So too Human Rights Watch.

A key is donar participation and funding. Like a lot of things, the better you work the better you attract donars with the cycle repeating yourself. The above now provide global coverage to an extent that others can't, don't, or won't. They've also accumulated considerable political capital. Those are two examples off the top of my head but I'm sure there might be others as well.

One more might be Transparency Internat'l. The effects of corruption can play into factors effecting human rights issues particularly WRT elections and political access for the poor.

Thanks.

 

[waraich66]

"Human rights" organizations often have very pointed political agendas and thus can't be relied on 100% of the time."

Some are better than others. Amnesty Internat'l works hard to source data and do a fine job documenting issues generally. So too Human Rights Watch.

A key is donar participation and funding. Like a lot of things, the better you work the better you attract donars with the cycle repeating yourself. The above now provide global coverage to an extent that others can't, don't, or won't. They've also accumulated considerable political capital. Those are two examples off the top of my head but I'm sure there might be others as well.

One more might be Transparency Internat'l. The effects of corruption can play into factors effecting human rights issues particularly WRT elections and political access for the poor.

Thanks.

Under President Clinton, Human Rights Watch was the most influential pro-intervention lobby: its 'anti-atrocity crusade' helped drive the wars in ex-Yugoslavia. Under George W. Bush it lost influence to the neoconservatives, who have their own crusades. But the 'two interventionisms' are not so different anyway: Human Rights Watch is founded on belief in the superiority of American values. It has close links to the US foreign policy elite, and to other interventionist and expansionist lobbies.

Who is behind Human Rights Watch?