Global human rights watchdog Amnesty International on Monday called on Pakistani military ruler General Pervez Musharraf to release politicians who have been detained without charge.
In an open letter to the general who took power in a coup last year, Amnesty said the politicians -- mostly supporters of ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif -- should be released or charged.
It said this would be a "first step" to ensuring that the rule of law was respected.
The London-based group supported new initiatives to rebuild Pakistan's economy and political system but stressed they would fail unless attention was also paid to human rights.
"This is a unique opportunity for the current administration to rebuild respect for the rule of law and human rights, but it must approach this task with sincerity and determination," Amnesty said.
"The military leadership's priorities of ending corruption and reviving the economy are intimately related to human rights.
"Efforts to rebuild Pakistan politically and economically without corresponding human rights reform will fail to create a just and equitable society."
The letter said endemic corruption had led to "crimes such as custodial violence, including rape and killings."
"There are at least 100 deaths as a result of torture every year, often linked to attempts by the police to extract money from the victim or his family."
Amnesty called upon the military leadership to ensure that equality before the law is restored.
Former government figures who have been under detention since the October coup reportedly include ex-information minister Mushahid Hussain and his former cabinet colleague Chaudhry Nisar Ali.
Sharif is serving a life term for hijacking and terrorism related to events on the night of the military takeover. In July he was sentenced to 14 years for tax evasion and concealment of assets -- ISLAMABAD (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
