KARACHI: Amnesty International, an international non-governmental organization focused on human rights, has urged upon the authorities in Pakistan to immediately reverse Internet shutdown in the Balochistan’s coastal city of Gwadar.
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Taking to Twitter, Amnesty International South Asia Chapter said “such disruptions are neither necessary nor proportionate, and inhibits the ability of the people of Gwadar to communicate, access information, seek safety and work.”
PAKISTAN: The internet shutdown in Gwadar, Balochistan following the imposition of an emergency law to quell protests on 28 Dec must be reversed immediately. [THREAD]
— Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office (@amnestysasia) January 3, 2023
Amnesty Int’l said in addition, the imposition of Section 144 in the name of public security should not become a pretext for more human rights violations – especially if they prevent people from peacefully protesting.
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The global human rights body said it was concerned that both the internet ban and emergency law would serve as a springboard for further crackdown on people’s fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, right to personal security and freedom from arbitrary detention.
