Arrest of Dr. Ayesha Faiz and Warrant for Tatara Achakzai an Open Attack on Freedom of Expression: Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party
QUETTA – The Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party (PNAP) has strongly condemned the arrest of retired police surgeon Dr. Ayesha Faiz and the issuance of an arrest warrant for university professor Tatara Achakzai, terming it an open attack on freedom of expression, democratic values, and fundamental human and constitutional rights.
The party stated that arresting any citizen or filing cases against them for criticizing government policies, highlighting public issues, or expressing their stance is deeply concerning. In a democratic society, dissent cannot be silenced through force, pressure, arrests, or legal cases.
PNAP noted that Dr. Ayesha Faiz’s arrest following her press conference creates the impression that the government is attempting to suppress dissenting voices. In her press conference, Dr. Faiz had opposed the government’s cutting of fruit-bearing trees in Mastung, Khadkocha, and other areas, describing the practice as harmful to the economic, agricultural, and environmental rights of the people. Even more alarming is that action has been taken against her under the stringent Anti-Terrorism Act. Linking expressions of opinion on political, social, or governmental matters to anti-terrorism laws is a violation of the basic requirements of law and justice.
The party also strongly condemned the issuance of an arrest warrant for university professor Tatara Achakzai, stating that intimidating and pressuring teachers and scholars is a matter of concern for any civilized and democratic society. Educational institutions are centers of academic and intellectual freedom, where dissent and criticism should be heard with tolerance and respect.
PNAP pointed out that the province is already grappling with political, social, and economic challenges. The government should focus on resolving public issues, restoring law and order, and improving education, health, and employment, rather than suppressing dissenting voices and initiating a cycle of cases and arrests against political and social workers, teachers, and other citizens.
The party demanded the immediate release of Dr. Ayesha Faiz, the withdrawal of cases against her, and the immediate cancellation of the arrest warrant for Tatara Achakzai. Instead of criminalizing dissent, the government should ensure the protection of all citizens’ fundamental rights in accordance with the constitution, law, and democratic principles.
PNAP made it clear that freedom of expression, press freedom, political dissent, and peaceful expression of opinions are the fundamental democratic rights of every citizen. The party will fully resist and condemn any attempt to suppress these rights through force and state authority.
