Appeal for the Release of Pakistani Human Rights Activist, Tariq Mehmood

Honorable Prime Minister,

Islamic Republic of Pakistan,

Dear sir,

We wish to draw your attention to the illegal and totally unnecessary arrest of Tariq Mehmood, a well known human rights activist and the general secretary Labour Party Pakistan Toba Tek Singh today the 11th August which is being commemorated as the Day of Minorities n Pakistan. It is ironic to note that a staunch defender of the rights of minorities should have been arrested on a day officially dedicated to the rights of minorities, while the perpetrators of violence against innocent Christians of Gojra remain at large.

It is even more reprehensible that the Toba Tek Singh Police has framed absurd charges of terrorist activities against a peaceful and conscientious activist who risked his life to defend poor victims of religious intolerance.

He has consistently highlighted the case of the brutal burning to death at Gojra. He had also been demanding the arrest of those who were responsible for the killings. On 6 August, he was targeted and threatened of dire consequences by a group of religious fundamentalist at a press conference in Toba Tek Singh. Instead of protecting those who are in forefront of a fight against religious extremism, the police is arresting them.

Please send the appeal to the following,

Mr. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani
 Prime minister of Pakistan
 Prime Minister House
 Islamabad
 PAKISTAN
 Fax: + 92 51 9221596
 E-mail: secretary@cabinet.gov.pk

Minister for Interior
 R Block Pak Secretariat
 Islamabad
 PAKISTAN
 Tel: +92 51 9212026
 Fax: +92 51 9202624
 E-mail: ministry.interior@gmail.com

or

interior.complaintcell@gmail.com