Motion for a Resolution on the situation in Pakistan

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

to wind up the debate on statements by the Council and Commission

pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure

by Nirj Deva and Eija-Riitta Korhola

on behalf of the PPE-DE Group

on the situation in Pakistan

B6 0479/2007

European Parliament resolution on the situation in Pakistan

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Pakistan, particularly those of 12 July 2007 and 25 October 2007,

– having regard to the statement of 4 November 2007 by the EU High Representative for the CFSP following the declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan,

– having regard to the declaration of 6 November 2007 by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan,

– having regard to the Cooperation Agreement of 24 November 2001 between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Partnership and Development,

– having regard to the statement of 5 November 2007 by the UN Secretary-General on the detention in Pakistan of human rights and opposition activists, including the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief,

– having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas President Musharraf proclaimed a state of emergency throughout Pakistan on 3 November 2007 and ordered that the Constitution of Pakistan should remain in abeyance,

B. whereas leaders of political parties, judges, lawyers, journalists, human rights defenders – including the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ms Asma Jahangir, and Mr Aitzaz Ahsan, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association – and representatives of civil society have been imprisoned or placed under house arrest,

C. whereas the Pakistan Supreme Court judges who have refused to accept the legality of the state of emergency remain under house arrest; whereas the Supreme Court of Pakistan has yet to issue its ruling on the question of whether the election of President Musharraf was constitutional,

D. whereas the EU recognises that Pakistan faces threats to its peace and security, but believes that stability and development can only be achieved through democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law,

1. Expresses its concern at the situation in Pakistan which has led to the declaration of the state of emergency there, the suspension of certain constitutional guarantees and the detention of leaders of political parties, judges, lawyers, journalists, human rights defenders and representatives of civil society;

2. Calls on the Government of Pakistan to take urgent action to restore as soon as possible the public liberties and fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, implement the necessary conditions in terms of security and stability to guarantee free, fair and transparent elections in January 2008, immediately release all political prisoners – including members of the judiciary –, as well as the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ms Asma Jahangir, and Mr Aitzaz Ahsan, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, lift restrictions on the media, honour President Musharraf’s undertaking to relinquish his post as Chief of Army Staff by 15 November 2007, and pursue reconciliation with the political opposition;

3. Recognises the efforts Pakistan is making to resist the rise of terrorist groups, and expresses its support for Pakistan and the Pakistani people in their fight against terrorism; stresses, however, that abandoning the path to democracy is not the answer and that the restoration of democracy requires that power be transferred back to a civilian government;

4. Calls on the Council and the Commission to urge the Government of Pakistan to uphold all the principles enshrined in the Cooperation Agreement, in particular the democracy and human rights clause; calls on the Commission to present a report on the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement;

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the UN Secretary-General and the Government of Pakistan.