Representatives of various NGOs and minority organisations expressed their concern over the poor human rights conditions in the country. At a meeting held in Toba Tek Singh to observe the World Human Rights Day on Saturday, some of the speakers also accused the government of violating the human rights.
Labour Party Pakistan district General Secretary Tariq Mahmood, Women Rights Network General Secretary Rabia Iqbal, Punjab Teachers Union President Begum Safia Haq, Progressive Youth Front leader Tahir Zeeshan, Kissan Rabita Committee President Gulzar Chishti, Gharib Kissan Tehrik co-ordinator Aslam Kousar and Christian leader Father Bonnie Mendes expressed their views on the occasion.
Bonnie expressed grave concern over the steps taken by the government against the culprits, who allegedly desecrated three churches and burnt a girls' school and hostel as well as some houses of Christians in Sangla Hills in November.
He said it was the responsibility of the government to protect the rights of all citizens, especially the religious minorities, who were continuously facing persecution by the anti-state elements.