Example of Letter to Pakistani Authorities: (regarding the vilification campaign against Shirkat Gah a women's organisation in Pakistan, May 18 1999)
Date:__________
To,
__________________________
__________________________
Fax No: (92-42) ____________
Dear ________________,
We are writing to express our deep concern about the vilification campaign against Shirkat Gah, an organisation that is highly regarded both within Pakistan and internationally, for its commitment, quality of work and integrity.
Direct attacks on institutions of civil society, especially NGOs and journalists, and women's human rights supporters in the recent weeks are extremely disturbing.
A Senior Minister of the state Government of Punjab Pir Bin Yamin Rizvi in a press statement on May 14 1999 has gone on record naming Shirkat Gah, Ajoka and the Human Rights Commission charging that they were "spreading vulgarity and obscenity in the name of human rights." . Such inflamatory remarks are an incitement to violence against these organisations.
We believe that civil society initiatives have played a very useful role in the post Martial law period, by campaigning for women's rights, promoting a culture of democracy, upholding freedom of speech, and that they have been essential in restoring the image of Pakistan in the eyes of the world community.
We urge you to personally intervene and to ensure that Shirkat Gah and other organisations continue to function freely and to ensure the personal safety and security of those associated with these organisations.
yours sincerely
____________
____________
Return to: Shirkat Gah Alert (May 18, 1999)
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