THIS is apropos of the news report (Jan 20) wherein civil society, human rights activists, academia and students condemned the killing of 18 civilians in Bara, Khyber Agency.

I was shocked to read the report that said: “Out of 18, eight victims belonged to one family, while three, reportedly, were members of another family.

“So far it has not been ascertained whether the victims were militants or not.”

This is unfair and unsubstantiated reporting. How can a sizable number of renowned and trusted human rights activists and defenders join a protest in ‘favour of militants’?

I kept on wondering.

DR RAKHSHINDA PERVEEN
Islamabad