The world is holding its breath in view of the developments in Pakistan. One of the IPB's member groups in the country, the Human Friends Organization, fears that Pakistan may be heading towards a civil war, and calls for attention and actions from human rights and peace organizations all over the world.

In addition to reports from media, the Human Friends Organizations writes :

“In his speech President Musharraf said that the emergency is being imposed to curb extremism and terrorism. Instead of cracking down on the extremist forces, he cracked down on the judiciary, lawyers, media, civil society organizations and political workers... The emergency was promulgated against extremism and terrorism, but up till now, no action has been initiated against the militants at all.

... We strongly condemn this action and urge Musharraf to restore the constitution and democracy in the country. International pressure is required for a just cause, as basic human rights have been suspended and Pakistani people are being deprived of information through the media."

IPB call for swift actions from all its member organizations and concerned individuals to submit their protest to the Pakistani embassies. We call for the release of human rights activists, lawyers, media and civil society members, among them the OHCHR Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief, Ms Asma Jahangir, who has been sentenced to house arrest for 90 days.

Geneva, Tuesday 6th November 2007