The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Saturday condemned the attack on Indian prisoner Sarabjeet Singh in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail. Calling the incident a ‘dastardly act’, HRCP called upon the governments of Pakistan and Punjab to make a thorough inquiry into the matter and punish all those found guilty.
“The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemns the murderous attack on Sarabjeet Singh, an Indian prisoner, at the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. A prisoner is wholly dependent for his safety on the keepers of the prison and, regardless of his offence, is entitled to due protection against violence by wardens or fellow detainees. In this case, the authorities have obviously failed to do their elementary duty. They should have taken special care of Sarabjeet Singh since his case is well-known and the fellow prisoners’ hostility towards him could have been anticipated. The authorities should have also realised the adverse effects this would make on relations with India if an Indian prisoner fell a victim to any foul play,” HRCP said in its statement.
Such cases reveal the dangerous consequences intolerance might have in the Pakistani society.
“The commission calls upon the governments of Pakistan and Punjab both to hold thorough inquiries into the latest horror story and bring all those responsible to book; and the sooner the better,” it said.