The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expresses deep grief and grave concern over the tragic and brutal target killing of Raja Riaz Advocate near Governor House as he was proceeding towards the court.
HRCP condemns the killing of a senior lawyer and the effort to surround the Sindh High Court building on the same day and believes that both constiute an attack on the independence of the judiciary. These incidents are clear attempts to suppress and undermine the process of justice.
Obviously the state has failed to protect the lives of citizens, particularly of those who are vulnerable to violence because of their profession. The fact that in some cases the state and its agencies are directly involved in threatening lawyers recently, is all the more reprehensible. This alarming trend is the product of the present climate of intolerance of dissent and lack of respect for the rule of law and independence of judiciary.
HRCP strongly demands investigation into this tragic incident and urges government to order a high level inquiry into the case and to take measures to prevent further such cases. HRCP offer its condolences to the family and colleagues of Raja Riaz on his tragic death while performing professional duties.-PR