Morality of HR abuses to end terrorism

The startling revelation by US intelligence reports that senior Pakistani military and intelligence officials were aware, and involved, in extrajudicial killings of militants and other adversaries, has created a stir in circles advocating universal human rights. The issue has raised a concern that official authorities use inhuman methods of torture and killings against captive militants in the war on terror.
Even more worrying is the reality that Obama administration intentionally withheld the public disclosure of this information. Revelation of these facts would have created huge outcry, as the US would then have been obligated to suspend aid to Pakistan as a punishment for abusing human rights. On the other hand, the US continued to partner with Pakistan and seek ways to further strengthen the fragile relationship.
According to an official statement by the National Security Council, the US would “continue to work closely with Pakistan’s professional and dedicated security forces” to assist the country in overcoming its security challenges. Even though intensified surveillance of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal shows signs of deepening mistrust between the two allies, the US remains committed to developing a long-term partnership with Pakistan. The bilateral ties and coordination in counter-terrorism efforts are seen as key to achieving all strategic objectives in the region. However, it is worth pondering whether human right abuses are justified in this war. Is it moral to execute torture and extrajudicial killings of captured militants in the broader campaign against terror?
Some quarters may propose that such excesses against hardened criminals and terrorists may be approved in larger national interests. It is argued that torturing the captive militants may help gain valuable information that may prevent future deadly attacks. Gross human rights violations mandated by the state set a wrong precedent, which can be exploited by agencies in other circumstances. These acts have the potential to devastate the social fabric and promote further violence in society.
In recent years, the issue of missing persons in the Balochistan has gained wide media attention. So-called anti-state elements have allegedly disappeared and remain missing despite passage of several years. The issue of missing persons has created unrest in Balochistan and calls for a separate state for the Balochs have only become louder. Estimates by official sources place the number of “disappeared” persons in custody of security agencies at more than 500. It is high time that Pakistan’s security agencies come out clean and stop atrocities against prisoners.