Dr. Shazia case - Cover-up?

Daily Times, March 20, 2005
Dr Shazia’s flight abroad a cover-up: HRCP
Staff Report

LAHORE: The manner in which Sui rape victim Dr Shazia was rushed abroad indicates that the government is trying to cover up the case, said a Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) statement issued on Saturday.

“Government claims that she was whisked abroad without official knowledge defy credibility,” said the HRCP. “Its failure to penalise the rapists proves that perpetrators of such crimes will always be protected and women will continue to be subjected to violence.”

The HRCP council deliberated at length during a meeting on Saturday over government claims that Dr Shazia was sent abroad by a non-government organisation (NGO), said the statement. “To the best of our knowledge, this is untrue. The government tried to persuade a leading NGO to send Dr Shazia overseas, but the NGO refused,” the HRCP said.

“Statements attributed to Dr Shazia sharply differ from those on record. They lead to more doubts about the credibility of the news stories regarding her departure from Pakistan. “For several weeks, Dr Shazia has been denied access to civil society organisations and was kept surrounded by agency personnel. The HRCP was only able to meet her amidst considerable hostility from these personnel,” said the HRCP.

Meanwhile, the 2005 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the HRCP will be held on March 20 at its head office in Lahore. The AGM will elect its council members for 2005-2007.