The World Sindhi Institute
June 17, 2007
Press Release

The World Sindhi Institute's Peaceful Protest Rally for Democracy and Human Rights in Pakistan

Washington, DC: The World Sindhi Institute, a nonprofit human rights advocacy organization based in Washington DC , invites you to a peaceful protest rally for democracy and human rights in Pakistan . The rally would gather in front of The U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street NW , Washington DC , on Monday, June 18, 2007 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

This protest would be held in order to bring to the notice of U.S. policy-makers, the on-ground situation of atrocities and violence in Pakistan and to sensitize them on issues of human rights due to lack of democratic and legal systems in a country that claims to be an ally in War against Terror. The rally is planned to be staged on the occasion of the official visit of Pakistani Foreign Minister, Khurshid Kasuri to meet with U.S. Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, which is scheduled for June 18 between 1:00 and 3:00 pm.

The talks between the two top diplomats are expected to focus on bilateral relations and Pakistan ’s role in the US-led war on terror, the sources said. Mr. Kasuri also plans to meet U.S. lawmakers and other senior officials.

His visit comes at a time when the government in Pakistan faces a growing unrest over the suspension of the chief justice. The current political and legal crisis in Pakistan can be traced to the policies of the military regime, headed by General Pervez Musharraf. Since this government came to power, the regime has been engaged in silencing its critics particularly through arresting them extra-judicially and making them “disappear” with no clue of their crime and whereabouts. Opposition to these atrocities resulted in General Musharraf sacking of his Chief Justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, who took up cases unpopular with the government, involving human rights abuses against ethnic and political minorities, women, the disappearances of political opponents, and the environment. Opposition to Chaudhry’s removal caused Musharraf to impose restrictions on independent media, and arrest and detain those who protested in the streets. These actions by the government led to the fierce riots in the streets of Karachi on May 12, 2007.

WSI invites and urges all individuals/organizations who believe in human rights, justice and democracy, to participate and unite with each other in raising voice against the inhumane and undemocratic policies of the military regime on Monday June 18, 2007 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm, in front of the State Department.