ISLAMABAD: A controversy has emerged following a claim by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that prominent party-affiliated lawyer, Advocate Salman Shahid, has been nominated for a Peace Award by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).
The HRCP has swiftly and firmly denied the claim, calling it “entirely incorrect and misleading.”
In a public statement, issued through PTI’s social media account, the party lauded Advocate Shahid, a long-standing legal representative for the party, for his “tireless two-year struggle for justice.” The party claimed that the HRCP had nominated Shahid for a Peace Award in recognition of his legal support to PTI workers during times of political upheaval. “His nomination is not only a personal milestone but also a great honor for the entire PTI family,” the statement read.
However, within hours of the PTI announcement, the HRCP issued a categorical denial. “The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) wishes to state categorically that it has not nominated any individual for any award,” the organisation said in its official statement, quoting PTI’s statement.
Reiterating its nonpartisan and apolitical mandate, the HRCP clarified that it does not engage in award nominations, particularly those with political affiliations. “Any claims suggesting that HRCP has endorsed or nominated a particular individual, whether for political or other reasons, are entirely incorrect and misleading,” the statement continued.
The Commission also addressed what it described as a recurring issue, “Once again, we draw attention to the continued misuse of the abbreviation ‘HRCP’ to indicate other organisations with whom we have no connection whatsoever.”
The conflicting statements have sparked debate on social media, with PTI supporters praising Shahid’s legal efforts, while critics questioning the blatantly misleading nomination claim.
Many netizens are calling the incident a symbol of growing tensions between political actors and civil society institutions, particularly as the political climate in Pakistan remains volatile. Advocate Salman Shahid has not personally commented on the matter as of the time of publication.