Human rights watch should continue in Pakistan: Asma Jehangir

Ahmedabad, Mar 9 : Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) chairperson Asma Jehangir has said that despite the change in political set up in her country, there is a need to keep a watch on the government's activities.

"There is a need to keep a watch on the Government's activities because the scenario would change with the change of the Government," Jehangir said during her visit to the 'Gandhi Ashram' here.

Jehangir said that things would improve in Pakistan with a democratic alliance.

"The fact is that the Governments will change, new ones will come, their roles will change. What we have to do is, we have to maintain distance from the ruling parties," she said.

Jehangir went on to say that the civil society would have to keep distance so that "we act like watchdogs because every Government needs to be watched. Otherwise, there wouldn't be any difference between the by gone Governments and the present ones."

"As far as the military rules are concerned, they do not listen to the civil society, they rather use the civil society for their benefit. On the other hand, the political rulers have to take into account the civil societies. While they play a constructive role and there are some setbacks also, but we have to maintain a rapport with them. This is what our role would be ahead," Jehangir further added.

She said that the former Prime Minister and slain leader, Benazir Bhutto brought 'colour' to the politics and her absence would be felt in the country.

ANI