Pak rights commission rebukes feuding political parties

Pakistan's human rights commission yesterday rebuked feuding political parties for undermining democracy as the world's fifth-most populous country battles an economic crisis.

The fragile coalition government led by Shehbaz Sharif has been facing increasing pressure from opposition leader Imran Khan, Pakistan's most popular politician, ahead of elections due by October.

There have been multiple clashes between police and Khan supporters this month over legal cases the former cricket star has decried as spurious.

"We are aware that there is a very menacing and irresponsible opposition here which has made use of violence, humiliated police and destroyed the law and order," commission chairperson Hina Jilani told a news conference in Lahore.