Calls for meaningful steps to prevent such a situation from arising again and particularly a closer look into the role of police personnel in such incidents
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the attack in Adiala Jail on a 70-year old man sentenced to death over blasphemy charges. The prisoner was shot and injured by a policeman at the prison.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission said it was not only appalled by the attack on Muhammad Asghar, a British-Pakistani, by a prison guard on Wednesday but also by the ease with which the policeman managed to walk into Asghar’s cell before shooting him.
“Even a cursory glance at recent trends of violence where allegations of blasphemy are made would have indicated that such an attack was not unexpected. If anything, it was more likely than not that the prisoner would be targeted. Therefore, we are dismayed that more was not done to prevent the attack.”
HRCP said that merely suspending a few policemen following the attack would not do at all. “Meaningful steps must be taken to prevent such a situation from arising again and particularly the role of police personnel in such incidents deserves a closer look.”
HRCP has called for a thorough enquiry to determine what could have been done to prevent the attack not just in this instance but also what measures are needed in the future.
It should be noted that this is not the first incident where a blasphemy accused has been attacked by a policeman.
HRCP stressed that the security of all jailed blasphemy accused and individuals convicted of this charge must be ensured. HRCP hoped that the authorities would ensure that the policeman involved pays for his crime and is not turned into a hero in the same manner as the assassin of former Punjab governor Salman Taseer.