Document - Pakistan: Further information on incommunicado detention / torture/ill-treatment / unfair trial: Akhtar Mengal

PUBLIC AI Index: ASA 33/015/2008

16 May 2008

Further Information on UA 17/07 (ASA 33/002/2007, 19 January 2007) - Incommunicado detention/torture/ill-treatment/unfair trial

PAKISTAN Akhtar Mengal, leader of Balochistan National Party

15 members of the Balochistan National Party

Akhtar Mengal was released on 9 May, after the Sindh government withdrew the charges against him. On 21 April the Balochistan government had also withdrawn all charges against Mengal, who is the leader of the Balochistan National Party and former Chief Minister of Balochistan,.

Akhtar Mengal, who suffers from a number of medical conditions, was in the Liaquat National Hospital, where he received the order for his release. He had been arrested on 28 November 2006 on charges relating to the expression of his political views. The 15 party members, who were arrested with him, were released earlier, due to the increasing pressure from the Supreme Court and local strikes.

Many thanks to all those who sent appeals. No further action is required from the UA Network.