Amnesty International has condemned Pakistan’s recent “shoot-on-sight” order against protesters, calling on the government to immediately rescind the directive. The human rights organization emphasized that any use of force must be proportionate, lawful, and strictly necessary to prevent harm, warning that the decision risks violating the fundamental human right to life and undermining the right to peaceful protest.
Amnesty’s statement comes amid escalating protests across Pakistan, sparked by the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose supporters have taken to the streets to demand his release and challenge what they perceive as political repression. In response to the demonstrations, the Pakistani authorities have issued the controversial order, setting off alarm bells within the international human rights community.
The Right to Peaceful Protest: A Fundamental Human Right
Amnesty International reiterated its position that people have the right to protest peacefully, regardless of their political affiliations, as long as they do so without resorting to violence. “The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental human right,” said Dinushika Dissanayake, South Asia Campaigner for Amnesty International. “Protesters must be allowed to express their views freely, without fear of lethal force being used against them. This is essential to preserving democratic principles and ensuring that all voices—regardless of political side—are heard.”
The rights organization made it clear that the use of force must only be employed when absolutely necessary and in proportion to the threat posed. The “shoot-on-sight” order, Amnesty argues, is an extreme measure that disregards the right to protest and could lead to unnecessary loss of life, particularly as many of the protests have remained peaceful.
Imran Khan’s Solidarity with Protesters
From his prison cell, Imran Khan has shown strong support for the ongoing protests. In a statement, the imprisoned leader commended the Pakistani people and PTI’s political workers for their dedication to peaceful protest and the fight for their democratic rights. He called on his supporters to continue their struggle through nonviolent means, asserting that the right to protest is a core component of any democratic society.
Khan emphasized that the ongoing protests were not only a fight for his personal release but for the broader protection of civil liberties in Pakistan. Despite his imprisonment, his message of peaceful resistance continues to resonate with thousands of his supporters, amplifying calls for government accountability.
The Danger of Criminalizing Peaceful Dissent
Amnesty International’s condemnation of the shoot-on-sight order highlights the broader human rights concerns related to the treatment of dissent in Pakistan. Protests—whether supporting or opposing the government—should never be met with violence unless there is an immediate threat to public safety or security. The right to protest is enshrined in international law and protected under Pakistan’s own Constitution. By issuing such an order, the government not only risks violating international human rights standards but also sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of peaceful opposition.
Amnesty called on the Pakistani authorities to ensure that all protests, regardless of their political leanings, are allowed to take place peacefully without the threat of violent repression. The use of excessive force or the suppression of legitimate political expression undermines the foundations of democracy and civil society.
International Concern and the Need for Immediate Action
The international community has expressed growing concern over the Pakistani government’s response to the protests and the use of force by security forces. Several foreign governments, human rights organizations, and international bodies have urged Pakistan to respect fundamental freedoms and the right to peaceful assembly, calling for an immediate cessation of any actions that undermine these rights.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty, have stressed that Pakistan’s leadership must prioritize dialogue over violence. “It is critical that the Pakistani government engages with opposition groups and civil society leaders, facilitating a peaceful path forward,” Dissanayake stated. “The issuance of shoot-on-sight orders is an unacceptable and disproportionate response to peaceful demonstrations.”
Moving Forward: Upholding Human Rights and Fostering Peaceful Dialogue
Amnesty’s call to rescind the shoot-on-sight order aligns with broader demands for a more inclusive and peaceful approach to managing political dissent. The Pakistani government must uphold the rights of all citizens to voice their opinions, regardless of political affiliation, without the threat of violence.
Moreover, Amnesty stresses the importance of conducting independent investigations into any alleged abuses by security forces to ensure accountability and justice. These investigations are critical in maintaining trust in Pakistan’s rule of law and ensuring that all citizens can freely exercise their rights.
In conclusion, Amnesty International urges the Pakistani government to immediately rescind the shoot-on-sight order and reaffirm its commitment to protecting peaceful protesters. All individuals, regardless of their political views or affiliations, have the right to protest peacefully without fear of reprisal. Upholding this fundamental right is essential to the future of democracy in Pakistan and the protection of its citizens’ human rights.
