Rights group slams trial of former Baloch CM

Karachi: The independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has slammed the government for the way it is conducting the trial of former Balochistan chief minister, Nawab Akhtar Mengal, alleging that he is being denied the basic amenities of life.

"It is the constant harassment of the Baloch leadership, which matters," Iqbal Haider, the secretary general of HRCP, said. "The way they are conducting his trial is appalling. He is being forced to sit in an iron cage away from his lawyers during the trial," Haider said.

Mengal, who was arrested last month, is facing charges of ordering the kidnapping and torture of two intelligence officials who were shadowing his family in Karachi.

"I personally visited Mengal with the permission of the Anti-Terrorist Court judge inside the prison yesterday and today after a lot of efforts," Haider said.