Expressing shock and grief over the murder of former Senator Habib Jalib Baloch, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) described it as a severe blow to Pakistan's integrity and apprehended that it would undermine the peaceful and democratic struggle for the rights of all people in the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, it said: "HRCP is grieved and saddened over the murder of Habib Jalib, who was a voice of reason both in and outside parliament for disempowered people, not only in Balochistan but across Pakistan. We offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved family and to Habib Jalib's party."
The HRCP said that a highly respected politician and a Supreme Court lawyer, Jalib had always backed a peaceful and democratic struggle for Balochistan's rights. Regardless of one's assessment of Jalib's views, he was always respected for his forthrightness and the passion with which he honoured his commitment. On several occasions, the HRCP benefited from his views on democracy, autonomy of federating units and the rights of the underprivileged, it said.
"This murder will aggravate the feeling of alienation among the people of Balochistan and it might undermine Pakistan's integrity. Whoever the killers may be and whatever their motives, it will be very difficult to persuade the people of Balochistan that he was not killed for fighting for Balochistan's rights. The murder is bound to strengthen the hands of those advocating violence and drown out the voices of people committed to espousing peaceful change through democratic means," it said.
The HRCP demanded of the government that the culprits should be taken to task. It said the response must go beyond condemning the attack and issuing statements. "A transparent and credible investigation to the satisfaction of Habib Jalib's family must be initiated to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime do not go unpunished," it said.