By The South Asia Times 

LONDON - Amnesty International on Thursday called on Pakistani authorities to end the ongoing use of power against journalists political workers and critics.

In a statement, the world rights body said that Amnesty International is extremely concerned with the crackdown on voices critical of the state and military. 

“At least seven journalists and commentators have been charged with offences against the state and anti-terror laws in the past four days. The use of these laws to silence commentators and journalists is a violation of the right to freedom of expression. According to media reports, Shaheen Sehbai, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Adil Raja, Syed Haider Raza Mehdi, Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada  and one other person have all been charged with offences against the state and anti-terror laws,” said Amnesty International.

“The Anti-Terrorism Act has been criticized for the sweeping powers given to the police and armed forces, to abuse human rights with impunity, and removes safeguards against arbitrary arrest, detention and ill-treatment,” it said.

Amnesty International urged Pakistani authorities to must end the use of offences against the state and anti-terror laws to silence critics. 

“In the event there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, suspects should be charged under ordinary criminal laws, with an internationally recognizable offence not weaponized to restrict the freedom of expression, and produced before a civilian court.”

According to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, over 10,000 of his supporters were arrested by the government during the last one month. While the country’s prominent anchor and journalist Imran Riaz Khan is missing for last 34 days.

Khan was picked up by Punjab Police from Sialkot Airport, later handed over to unknown people and despite the court repeated orders, authorities made excuses to present him before the judges.