LAHORE: Mohtarma Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called for the immediate release of activist Sarmad Sultan after reports of his disappearance went viral on social media.
The PML-N Vice President said that this was the system she was trying to fight, where people holding different views are abducted in the light of day.
Amnesty International also raised alarms over the reports of the disappearance of Sarmad Sultan, calling for his immediate return.
In a surreptitious development, Sarmad’s Twitter account was also deactivated.
Human rights activist Mohtarma Reham Khan also demanded the immediate release of the missing activist.
Speaking to The Pakistan Daily, Reham Khan said: “There is a lot of mystery surrounding the sudden disappearance of this Twitter personality. I was sent a message by a concerned friend of his. I have seen the ID crop up in forward messages but have no idea who this man is or what was he was tweeting about. I have asked a couple of high profile leaders in different parties & they also don’t know him. What I get from the hashtag trends that there is a real panic & fear in some twitter friends of his.
“The fact is that even if there is an innocent explanation for this the environment in Pakistan makes one suspicious & the finger of blame points to the deep state or government agencies. This is evidence of a very negative attitude towards this hybrid regime. After countless abductions, missing persons & regular persecution of activists & SM contributors one is naturally suspicious. The state’s lack of response further adds to this perception. As chairperson of IDMJ group I urge the authorities to take notice of disappearances & come forward in helping to dispel this perception.”
Activist Ammar Ali Jan demanded that the government take responsibility for finding Sarmad Sultan. He said: “Disturbing news about Sarmad Sultan’s disappearance. Rumours are circulating that he has been abducted. Government must take responsibility for finding Sarmad sb & bringing an end to the odious policy of enforced disappearances. #BringBackSarmadSultan“.
Meanwhile, there were alternate reports that Sarmad Sultan had not been abducted and had gone to a remote village to attend a funeral which is why his number was turned off.
