Pakistani police have carried out mass arrests and detained more than 4,000 people following protests over the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, including members of the political opposition, Human Rights Watch said on May 20th.
Accordingly, Police responded to violent protesters with tear gas, rubber bullets and batons.
It adds that two female former parliament members have also been arrested, one, Shireen Mazari, with urgent medical needs.
“The authorities should release both women, drop all charges unless for a legally recognizable offense, and ensure that Mazari has immediate access to medical care.” HRW demands.
“The Pakistani authorities should end their arbitrary arrests of political opposition activists and peaceful protesters,” said Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
She added: “The authorities should display restraint and respect for human rights and the rule of law,”.
It should be mentioned that violence swept across Pakistan after the police arrested former Prime Minister Khan on May 9, 2023, on corruption charges.
