KABUL: The International Human Rights Foundation has stated that the imposition of absentia sentences by Pakistan’s anti-terrorism court against several journalists and political analysts is a clear violation of the principles of fair trial.
In a recent statement, the foundation highlighted that individuals such as Adil Raja, Shaheen Sahebai, Dr. Moeed Pirzada, and Sabar Shakir have been convicted without being informed of the charges against them or participating in the judicial process. According to the foundation, neither were they provided with case documents nor granted the right to defend themselves.
The statement emphasizes that these decisions contravene Pakistan’s constitution, judicial independence, and international legal commitments, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Simultaneously, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has also warned that recent amendments to Pakistan’s constitution pose a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary.
The International Human Rights Foundation views the use of anti-terrorism laws against journalists and political critics, especially exiled individuals, as a dangerous form of judicial harassment.
The foundation calls on the Pakistani government to respect the principles of fair trial, clarify the legal basis for absentia trials, and cease using anti-terrorism laws to suppress freedom of expression and media activities.