HRCP chief praises electorate's verdict

20 Feb, 2008

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Chairperson Asma Jahangir has praised the people of Pakistan for overcoming obstacles and giving their verdict favouring democratic governance though she said the opportunity was unavailable to the electorate in Balochistan.
"The boycott of worthy political leadership from contesting the elections and their call for staying away from them have not reflected a genuine will of the people of Balochistan. This will pose a challenge to the federal parliament and the future provincial government in the province," she said.
"The people of Pakistan have placed a monumental responsibility on the winning political parties to ensure that democratic transition takes place. In addition, there is expectation from the new Parliament to restore the deposed judiciary, improve law and order and to solve the economic crisis", said HRCP chief.
Asma said: "The new government will also be expected to find imaginative ways of combating terrorism, without putting the lives of non-combatants in danger. This will require policies and actions built through consensus.
Unilateral and rash decisions of the past have not curbed the rise of 'Talibanisation' but added to the miseries of the people. A large number of people have been displaced, lost their lives and regularly exposed to violence. Pakistan's civil society, too, must continue to play their role and maintain closer interaction with political parties."

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