In its latest report on the
human rights situation in Pakistan, the US State Department took serious
notice of the conflict in Balochistan, noting that scores of civilians have
already been killed in clashes between security forces and Baloch militants.
During local elections held on Aug 18 and 25, arguments between competing
groups resulted in violent confrontations at polling places nationwide,
leaving at least 55 dead and hundreds injured.
Religious extremist organizations killed and attempted to kill government
officials and Islamic religious figures from opposing sect, the report adds.
Foreign terrorists and their local tribal allies attacked and killed
military personnel, government officials, and pro-government tribal chiefs
in the FATA.
Honour killings continued to be a problem, with women as the principal
victims. Local human rights organizations documented 1,211 cases during the
year, and many more likely went unreported.
The US State Department lists the following problems as major human
rights violations in Pakistan: Restrictions on citizens’ right to change
their government, extrajudicial killings, torture and rape, poor prison
conditions, arbitrary arrest and lengthy pre-trial detention, violations of
due process and privacy rights, lack of judicial independence, harassment,
intimidation and arrest of journalists, limits on freedom of association,
religion and movement, imprisonment of political leaders, corruption, legal
and societal discrimination against women, child abuse, trafficking in women
and children and child prostitution, discrimination against persons with
disabilities, indentured, bonded and child labour, and restriction of worker
rights
