Probe into abuse video

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Probe into abuse video

The Pakistan Army’s success in its fight against militancy is of crucial importance, and allegations or suspicions of extra-judicial killings, detentions or other rights’ abuses undermine its credibility. Furthermore, the rules of engagement must be respected under all circumstances.

The anonymity of the Internet helps whistleblowers leak information regarding human rights and other abuses. Pakistan is no different. Worryingly, some video footage has surfaced that appears to show soldiers of the Pakistan Army using illegal and coercive methods in their ongoing operation against militants and terrorists in the north-western parts of the country.

Earlier, a clip posted on the Internet appeared to show soldiers beating two civilian men. An inquiry into the matter was promised but if it was indeed conducted, the results did not reach the public domain. Recently, a five-minute clip was posted on the Facebook page of an obscure group, the Pushtuns’ International Association, which shows six men being executed by a firing squad that appears to be comprised of army personnel. On Friday, army chief Gen Kayani ordered an investigation into the matter to be conducted by a board headed by a two-star general. 

Ideally, such a probe ought to be carried out by an independent team that is not associated with the military. As matters stand, however, it is vital that no delay be brooked in constituting the investigation team as ordered by Gen Kayani. The results must be made public and strict action taken if the authenticity of the footage is verified. This is not the first time that the slur of rights’ abuses and extra-judicial killings has been raised in the context of the military’s operation against terrorists in the north-west. The issue has been referred to by organisations including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the international Human Rights Watch.

The Pakistan Army’s success in its fight against militancy is of crucial importance, and allegations or suspicions of extra-judicial killings, detentions or other rights’ abuses undermine its credibility. Furthermore, the rules of engagement must be respected under all circumstances. The difference between law-enforcers and law-breakers such as the militants lies in the fact that the former adhere to the rule of law and the principles of justice. The army must clear any doubts that it is resorting to tactics used by the militants with whom it is engaged.