SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES STRONG DISMAY AT DETENTION IN PAKISTAN OF HUMAN

RIGHTS, OPPOSITION ACTIVISTS, INCLUDING UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is greatly concerned about the recent developments in Pakistan and the imposition of emergency rule.  He expresses his strong dismay at the detention of hundreds of human rights and opposition activists, including the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.

The Secretary-General urges the Pakistan authorities to immediately release those detained, to lift restrictions on the media and to take early steps for a return to democratic rule.  He appeals to the Government of Pakistan to hold the Parliamentary elections as scheduled.

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For information media • not an official record