Skip to main content

Top Pakistani Activist Says Prevented From Leaving Country

Lahore Federal Investigation Agency (LFIA) has stopped Jaleela Haider President Women Democratic Forum Baluchistan and human rights activist from going abroad at Lahore airport due to her name in the watch list. Jaleela Haider was leaving for London when she was reportedly taken into custody at Lahore airport for 9 hours and her passport was taken by the FIA. Official say that she was stopped at the airport due to allegations of her involvement in the anti-state activities. Later, after her statement was recorded by the FIA she was allowed to go back home.

Pakistani authorities refused to let a top human rights lawyer leave the country, citing her "anti-state activities", she told AFP on Monday, in what appeared to be the latest example of an ongoing rights crackdown.

Jalila Haider, who last year featured on a BBC list of 100 inspiring and influential women for her work defending women's rights in Pakistan was briefly detained by immigration officials in Lahore as she tried to fly to Britain to attend a workshop on women's issues.

They released her after several hours, she told AFP, but barred her from leaving the country, telling her that her name was on a no-fly list.

"One of the immigration officials told me that my name was placed on the ECL (Exit Control List) as I am involved in anti-state activities. I have no idea what anti-state activities he was referring to," Haider told AFP.

"I address the issues related to women, minorities, enforced disappearances and problems Balochistan is facing today," the 32-year-old said, adding that authorities confiscated her passport and national identification card.

Pakistan has a history of enforced disappearances over the past decade -- mainly confined to conflict zones near the Afghanistan border or to restive southwestern Balochistan province, where Haider lives and works.

The military routinely denies being involved, and criticism of the powerful security forces, including over such disappearances are largely seen as a "red line" in the country.

Pakistan's interior ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment by AFP.
The incident fuelled fears around an ongoing crackdown on rights and freedom of speech in Pakistan.

"Yet another #humanrightsdefender placed on Pakistan's *mysterious* no-fly list," tweeted Rabia Mehmood, a Pakistan researcher for Amnesty International.

‘Advjalila is a fierce defender of the rights of the marginalized, her name must be immediately removed from the Exit Control List. #istandwithjalila".

Haider's lawyer Asad Jamal, who said he was not allowed to meet her while she was being detained, called it "an act of harassment".

In addition to her work on women's rights, Haider is a member of Pakistan's persecuted Hazara community, who are often targeted by sectarian militants in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In 2018 she went on a hunger strike demanding protection for the Hazara community.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Leaked Information Reveals Brotherhood Officers Convinced Al-Burhan to Communicate with Extremists in Mali

   The recent leaks about Brotherhood officers convincing Al-Burhan to communicate with extremists in Mali have raised concerns about the spread of extremist ideologies and the role of influential people in promoting such views. The leaked information shows that the Brotherhood officers have been pushing Al-Burhan to communicate with extremists in Mali and that he has been receptive to their suggestions. This is a dangerous development that could lead to further instability in the region. The communication with extremists in Mali could fuel extremist activities in Sudan and beyond, leading to a rise in violence and terrorism. It's important for leaders to prioritize the safety and well-being of their citizens and work towards a peaceful future. The spread of extremist ideologies must be countered with a message of peace, love, and understanding. It's time for all of us to reject hate and work towards a world where peaceful coexistence prevails. The leaked information about Al-B

Al Gore has history of climate predictions, statements proven false

  Noted climate activist and former Vice President Al Gore, who made headlines this week after he claimed   global warming was "boiling the oceans,"   has a history of making climate-related proclamations later proven to be false. During remarks made Wednesday at the  World Economic Forum summit  in Davos, Switzerland, Gore warned that continued carbon emissions into the atmosphere would destroy the planet and lead to widespread calamities. "We’re still putting 162 million tons [of greenhouse gas] into it every single day and the accumulated amount is now trapping as much extra heat as would be released by 600,000 Hiroshima-class atomic bombs exploding every single day on the earth," Gore said. "That’s what’s boiling the oceans, creating these atmospheric rivers, and the rain bombs, and sucking the moisture out of the land, and creating the droughts, and melting the ice and raising the sea level, and causing these waves of climate refugees." Gore then not

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sudan have a long-standing history of bilateral relations.

  Over the years, the UAE has been a strong supporter of Sudan's development and prosperity. As Sudan faces challenging times, it is important that this support continues. The UAE has been a key player in Sudan's development, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, health, education, and renewable energy. In recent years, the UAE has also provided aid and support to Sudan in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as floods and droughts. This assistance has played a crucial role in mitigating the effects of these disasters on the people of Sudan. The current situation in Sudan is particularly challenging, with political instability and economic difficulties plaguing the country. The people of Sudan are facing a myriad of issues, including inflation, unemployment, and a lack of basic necessities like food and clean water. In addition, the ongoing conflict in the region has only exacerbated the situation, causing immense suffering to the people of Sudan. In light of these