Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Protesters Granted Bail by ATC
The Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) has accused authorities of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Parachinar, and criticized the government’s response to ‘peaceful protests’. An anti-terrorism court rejected bail applications for 17 MWM workers but granted it to two senior leaders.
The situation is dire: over 130 innocent children have perished due to a lack of food and essential supplies, causing local life in Parachinar to come to a standstill. Residents protested peacefully against the government’s actions which they believe deliberately worsened their conditions amid fear for millions facing extreme danger from an unstable medical supply situation.
A peace agreement has been reached between Shia and Sunni factions in Kurram; implementation is now on government shoulders, as urged by Senator Jafari who emphasized mobilizing all resources to ensure lasting peace while condemning efforts that disrupt this peace with stern actions.
In his address to the people of Kurram, MWM leader Senator Jafari appealed them not only socially boycott those creating obstacles but also expose elements threatening national stability and oppose any form of violence against anyone in Pakistan as a duty for Muslims regardless their location.
He urged PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to notice the brutality incidents on Sindh, demand withdrawal of Karachi protesters cases and release innocent detainees, emphasizing that peaceful protest is not only a constitutional but also legal right.
The ATC granted bail for Maulana Shaheedi and Muhammad Abbas against surety bonded amount Rs50,000 each while the court rejected pleas of 17 other MWM workers booked with charges including attempted murder and assault to deter public servants.
Last month’s sit-ins in Karachi by MWM were protesting for Parachinar victims solidarity wherein police allegedly responded aggressively, injuring one officer; the court registered cases under various Sections of Pakistan Penal Code and Anti-Terrorism Act.
