LAHORE, April 28: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan on Thursday expressed its deep shock and outrage over the barbaric murder of abducted human rights activist and HRCP Core Group coordinator for Pasni, Siddique Eido, whose tortured body was found in Ormara area.

“The uniforms of his abductors and the vehicles they had used gave credence to the belief that state agents were involved. Siddique had been abducted in the presence of several policemen, but despite such clear evidence no action was taken to publicly identify or prosecute his abductors and secure his release. Siddique had worked to highlight incidents of forced disappearances and other human rights violations in the region and recently his own disappearance had also been challenged in Supreme Court,” it said.

The statement said HRCP had repeatedly highlighted threats to Siddique's life in communications to the government and security forces officials and was devastated that not enough was done to save his life.

“HRCP is disappointed beyond words by the degree of official inaction and callousness which amounts to collusion in Siddique's murder,” it added.

The Commission regretted it was not the first such incident as on March 1, HRCP Core Group coordinator for Khuzdar, Naeem Sabir, was shot dead. His killers remained at large.

Targeting human rights defenders pointed to further aggravation of the situation in Balochistan, it said.

HRCP demanded the government make up for its 'condoning of criminality' by making sure that Siddique's murderers were brought to justice in an open and fair trial. It also sought compensation for the families of Siddique Eido, Naeem Sabir. It also demanded the government stop and prevent harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders in Balochistan.