Muhib Azad Laghari

PAKISTAN: Lawyer Muhib Azad Laghari missing

The OIAD denounces in the strongest possible terms the disappearance on September 4^th of lawyer Muhib Azad Laghari affiliated with Sindh Sujagi Forum.

Mr Muhib Azad Laghari is an eminent lawyer and activist member of the Sindh Sujagi Forum, a political education institute which aims to educate youth of Sindh and make them aware from history of Sindh.

His vehicle was found parked near his village Sahib Khan Chandio in Hyderabad district.

Forced disappearance is a growing scourge in Pakistan, concerning dozen of lawyers.

The OIAD urges the Pakistan authorities to respect the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, adopted by the United Nations in Havana in 1990, which provide that:

“ Lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association and assembly. In particular, they shall have the right to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights and to join or form local, national or international organizations and attend their meetings, without suffering professional restrictions by reason of their lawful action or their membership in a lawful organization.“ (Principle No. 23).

The OIAD is concerned about this case and request an independent, diligent and thorough investigation.

The OIAD will consider with attention the follow-up given to this serious violation of the rights of lawyer.