UNITED NATIONS: When foreign reporters at the UN asked Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his thoughts on the clashes in Lahore that resulted in the death of an opposition party worker, Zardari urged restraint on everyone’s part and to adhere to democratic norms.
As he left the conference he presided over on “Women in Islam,” Bilawal, who is also co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), said, “I think it is important for everyone to restrain themselves to within the democratic framework and it’s important to be playing one’s role within parliament, within the democratic system.
“What you’re witnessing is what happens when half the parliament, or when the opposition, decides that the constitution doesn’t apply to them, that democratic structures don’t apply to them, that the National Assembly doesn’t apply to them, and they take to the streets, to social media, or to other forms,” he said. “While that is legitimate and that is their right, working within the democratic institutions would be a more fruitful path forward for the people of Pakistan.” The United Nations had earlier urged the security forces to show the greatest amount of restraint while upholding the right of the populace to peaceful protest.
“For us the important thing is that all peaceful protests must be able to go ahead without hindrance,” UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Aziz Haq said in response to a question about the events in Lahore at the regular noon briefing. The spokesperson said, “It is obvious to us that wherever they (rallies) take place in the world, people have the right to peaceful protest, and security forces everywhere should permit them to proceed. Regarding the alleged death of the political worker, Haq opined that a thorough investigation was necessary. Of course, responsibility must be taken for any fatalities or injuries that may occur. However, it goes without saying that we urge the security forces to use the utmost restraint in these circumstances.
