Daily Times

LAHORE: Civil Society and political parties Tuesday held a protest against disappearance of civil rights activist Salman Haider outside the Lahore Press Club. Loads of civil society activists, representative from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), human rights activists and students participated in the protest. They demanded the government and authorities concerned to play their role in release of Salman. Speaking on occasion, Civil Society Network Pakistan President Abdullah Malik said, “We will not accept state within the state. It seems that a war has been waged against civil rights activists.” He continued: “It is the failure of state and its organs, as civil society activists like Salman and many others – working for a tolerant, progressive, peaceful Pakistan go missing.” Criticising the government over the closure of Lahore on the 6th death anniversary of former Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer, he said: “Extremists were moving freely while we were warned against observing the death anniversary of the former governor.” “Disappearance of human rights activists has revealed that state is not serious in implementation of the National Action Plan in true letter and spirit,” he said. He warned against holding protests on a large scale if Salman Haider is not recovered within 24 hours. Pakistan People’s Party leaders Jahan Ara Watoo, Barrister Amir, Lord Pasha, Faisal Mir and Shahida Jabeen also address the participants.