Pakistan has not changed

Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Despite claims of democracy and respect for human rights, Pakistan is run and controlled by invisible hands that have no respect for national laws or human values. One can see same intolerance, same lawlessness, intimidation, harassment and disrespect which, in view of many is a symbol of Pakistani society.

I went to Pakistan and Azad Kashmir for a private visit after two years and eight months. During the last visit my phone was taped and my movements were closely monitored. Pakistani agencies kept a close eye on my movements last time because I went there on a political visit – a study tour of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. Pakistani agencies feel sensitive about areas of Gilgit Baltistan and they don’t want anyone to go there or talk about them. But this time it was a private visit with no political agenda. However treatment of the secret agencies was same. They taped my phone and followed me everywhere I went, and that is against my human rights and the rights bestowed to me by UNCIP Resolutions. It is a violation of my privacy and free movement.

It is not only an attempt to harass me and intimidate me; but it was also to alienate me, as no one wants to receive a guest who is followed by secret agencies, especially in an environment of village life. I was so concerned about my security that at one time I was at verge of contacting the British High Commission in Islamabad for help.

—Via email