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Israel’s interception of Gaza flotilla draws global ire as Pakistan demands release of detained activists

  Pakistan and several other  countries  on Thursday condemned Israel’s “dastardly attack” on the  Global Sumud Flotilla  (GSF) after its forces intercepted the flotilla heading to break Israel’s siege of Gaza and deliver aid. Israeli forces  began intercepting  the flotilla’s latest bid to reach Gaza late last night, the fleet said. Israel has so far intercepted 39 boats with foreign activists on board to Gaza, leaving only one vessel still sailing towards the Palestinian enclave, the flotilla organisers said today. The 45-vessel flotilla, with activists and politicians including  Greta Thunberg  on board, left Spain last month to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of famine. Former Pakistani senator  Mushtaq Ahmad Khan  was also on board. Hours after Tel Aviv’s move drew global condemnation, Israeli foreign ministry posted on X that all on board the flotilla were safe would be “deported to Europe”...

US Congressman expresses concern over human rights violations in Pakistan


 


The United States Congressman Brad Sherman has written to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, raising concerns over the alleged violations of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Pakistan. In his letter, dated April 11, Sherman urged Blinken to guide the US Pakistan policy towards a greater commitment to human rights.

The Congressman called on the Pakistani authorities to investigate the alleged abuses and hold accountable anyone responsible. Sherman stated that he was particularly concerned about the treatment of political figures or citizens who simply want to demonstrate, adding that they should not be subjected to anti-democratic consequences.

Pakistan has been under scrutiny for its human rights record for many years. The country has been criticized by several human rights organizations for its treatment of minorities, particularly religious minorities, as well as for its treatment of women and journalists. There have been reports of forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and restrictions on freedom of speech and expression.

Sherman's letter comes at a time when Pakistan is facing criticism from the international community over its human rights record. Recently, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Pakistan's human rights violations, particularly the use of blasphemy laws to target minorities and the enforced disappearances of activists.

It is essential that Pakistan takes steps to address these concerns and improve its human rights record. The country's authorities must ensure that all citizens are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. The government must take concrete steps to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses.

The US and other countries must continue to pressure Pakistan to improve its human rights record. It is only through sustained international pressure that Pakistan will take the necessary steps to address the human rights concerns and ensure that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.

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