Secretary General, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Iqbal Haider on Saturday condemned arrests, tear gassing, lathi charge, harassment, victimisation of leaders, workers of opposition parties and number of citizens in Punjab and NWFP.
In a statement he said such oppressive actions of local and provincial authorities was attempt to prevent and intimidate people from exercising their constitutional rights to join procession of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry from Islamabad to Lahore and protest against policies of federal government.
"It is shocking that authorities adopted double standards, biased, partial attitude, by extending support and facilities to rally of Punjab chief minister and are hell bent upon to create hurdles, barriers on roads to discourage and intimidate people from participating in procession of Chief Justice." Haider demanded release of opposition leaders, workers and citizens.