Rights body slams Pakistan govt. for use of force against Imran Khan supporters

Pakistani authorities' repeated use of high-pressure water cannons against peaceful protesters outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi is a flagrant violation of their right to peaceful assembly, the Amnesty International said on Wednesday.

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The protestors were reportedly demonstrating against the repeated denial of court-ordered visits for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is lodged in Adiala jail.

According to the human rights organisation, on Tuesday night, a peaceful sit-in outside the jail was once again dispersed using water cannons in freezing temperatures, with participants alleging the water contained chemical irritants. It stated that the international human rights standards permit the use of water cannons only in situations of serious public disorder and widespread violence.

Condemning the incident, Amnesty International stressed that the Pakistan authorities must respect people's right to peacefully protest and end the disproportionate and punitive use of force.