Daily Times

BERLIN: Monday was the coldest day in Germany but the subzero temperatures could not deter human rights activists from holding a candle light vigil in front of Pakistan Embassy to protest against reported enforced disappearance of peace activist Raza Khan.

A small number of activists managed to join the event called on a short notice to show solidarity with the missing political or human rights activists in Pakistan, including Raza Khan.

Raza Khan was working on peace initiative between Pakistan and India. He has been missing since December 2, 2017 while his relatives and friends found his apartment ransacked after breaking into the premises with the help of local police. Amnesty International had issued an open letter to the Pakistani authorities pleading for the safe and immediate recovery of Khan.

Recently two brothers Mumtaz Sajidi Baloch and his brother Kamran Sajidi were reportedly taken away by some personnel in plainclothes. Whereabouts of both brothers have since been unknown.

The activists conveyed their concerns about safety of Raza Khan and other missing activists to the embassy staffers who patiently listened to their plea and stated that the officials concerned could be contacted during the office hours over the issue.

The peace campaigners stated that they understood that European Union wanted to develop Pakistan as a close business partner but such developments were impossible if the state of Pakistan refuses or fails to provide protection to its own citizens and subject them to inhumane treatment in violation of international law.

They were of the view that the world has become a global village and people are closely watching the states, which are involved in human rights violations. Under current circumstances a state like Pakistan, despite all its potential to emerge as a respected global partner, would lose credibility among the comity of nations.

The rights defenders warned that their counterparts in other European states and across the world were preparing to launch a massive peace campaign to convince Pakistan for ending the practice of torturing their citizens.

They were of the view that a state is ought to be the most protective entity for its citizens and civilised countries try their citizens in the court of law if they have got someone committing a crime. No state can live with respect in modern times after hurting its own citizens and violating the international law.

Frau Blum from Leipzig said that she was following the plight of missing citizens in Pakistan and had thought that there would be some respite for human rights activists after enforced disappearance and recovery of the bloggers in 2017. Yet she was shocked to learn about further abductions of activists like Raza Khan.

“I never knew Raza personally, yet my heart goes out to him, his friends and family. His disappearance really concerns all of us, as we might be losing the values of our shared humanity. I hope these candles we lit today for Raza’s return stand in solidarity with peace activists around the world,” she stated.

Another participant in the vigil named Alina said, “Although we are supporting Raza’s cause, and the cause of many other voices that are silenced, we must also take action to ensure safety of our fellow global citizens.” She added that it’s the moral responsibility of each and every human being to pressure governments across the world to provide promised protection of fundamental human rights.

Nickhil from Sweden added that the fact that people turned up today, of different nationalities and backgrounds, braving sub-zero temperatures on such a short notice shows that they are watching and listening to the actions of those who perpetrate hate and animosity, and that these rights defenders are willing to stand up for human values.

“The ultimate power is in the hands of the people, and that power can only be mobilised when we stand together against those who want to silence us. I hope Raza comes back soon, and that the authorities listen to voices supporting him across the globe,” the peace campaigner emphasized.

Charlotte said that human beings across the world care for each other and any human rights violation, which might have happened far away, concerns people. She added that people would and should keep standing in solidarity of other human beings who find themselves in vulnerable conditions due to their humane work.

Published in Daily Times, January 10^th 2018.