Islamabad - Awami Workers Party (AWP) on Thursday called for immediate release of its jailed leadership, including Baba Jan and Ghulam Dastageer, and demanded of the government to stop misusing anti-terrorism t laws to suppress peaceful political protests in the country.
AWP activists gathered at Aabpara Chowk and ware addressed by several leaders, including party Central Information Secretary Nisar Shah, Punjab President Aasim Sajjad Akhtar and representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK and Punjab and National Students Federation (NSF). AWP Information Secretary Nisar Shah alleged that the government was misusing anti-terrorism act to suppress peaceful political protests. He said that AWP Vice President Baba Jan from Gilgit-Baltistan has been awarded life term jail for raising his voice for the rights of downtrodden section of society. Similarly, AWP Federal Committee member Ghulam Dastgeer had been indefinitely imprisoned for helping tenants.
Addressing the rally, AWP Punjab President Aasim Sajjad Akhtar said that repression of progressive politics under the guise of anti-terrorism laws in Pakistan was unacceptable and every citizen has the constitutional right to peacefully conduct protest. He demanded the immediate release of imprisoned AWP workers.
Speaking on the occasion, UKPNP Vice President Naila Khaneen said the incumbent government was not tolerating any dissenting opinion in the country which reflected its undemocratic character.
She called upon progressive and nationalists across the country to unite and force the ruling elites to recognize peoples’ democratic rights and aspirations across the country.
Meanwhile at the demonstration a lot of Awami workers party members and activists participated.