South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), a regional network of human rights defenders, expresses concern over the issuing of a detention order against Dr. Ammar Ali Jan for attending the Student Solidarity March in Lahore on 28 November 2020.

The peaceful protest was held to highlight the issues faced by students in Pakistan. SAHR has learnt that the arrest orders were issued by the Lahore Deputy Commissioner on Thursday under Section 3 (power to arrest and detain suspected persons) of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance. The order states that “he is in the habit to harass the general public” and “symbol of frightens”. Dr. Jan was considered as a potential danger to public, peace law and order situation

Dr. Ammar Ali Jan is a prominent activist, academic and a member of the People’s Solidarity Forum in Pakistan. This is not the first time he is being targeted by the Police where in 2019 too Dr. Jan, along with several others, were charged with sedition for organizing and participating in the Student Solidarity March.

The constitution of Pakistan recognizes freedoms of assembly, association and speech and it is disturbing to note that the rights of these persons are violated under the guise of danger to public, peace law.

We are deeply concerned that in Pakistan activists, progressive intellectuals, critical journalists and the political opposition are targeted and harassed for exercising their rights.

SAHR calls on the Police to immediately remove the detention order and stop the harassment of activists. We further call on Government of Pakistan to ensure the protection of activists who are being subjected unlawful detentions and address impediments in exercising the constitutional rights.

On behalf of the members of South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR),

Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy
Chairperson

Dr. Roshmi Goswami
Co-Chairperson