Mubashir Nadeem
In Pakistan, the landscape of human rights is increasingly bleak, with violations occurring at an alarming rate. The theme for this year’s World Human Rights Day, “Our rights, our future, right now,” has never felt more relevant, given the state of justice and equality in the country. Despite international calls for action, the situation in Pakistan continues to worsen across multiple fronts: from severe restrictions on free speech to enforced disappearances, the millions of children who remain out of school, and the devastating impact of the climate crisis. However, one of the most striking and deeply troubling issues that has emerged is the scope of political victimization, which has reached unprecedented levels, as evidenced by the widespread incarceration of political activists.
Pakistan’s political landscape has been marred by a blatant disregard for human rights, with political vendetta taking center stage. The unlawful arrest and detention of political activists, including opposition leaders, journalists, and ordinary citizens, on charges of “terrorism” or anti-state activities, reflect an increasing trend toward political repression. In many cases, individuals are detained for extended periods, often without being afforded the basic right to a fair trial. The authorities’ tactics extend beyond the legal realm, involving the ransacking of homes, harassment of families, and intimidation of political workers. This pattern of state-sponsored violence against political opponents bears striking similarities to the darkest periods of Pakistan’s history, particularly under military dictatorships.
Among the most concerning cases is that of Dr. Yasmin Rashid, a septuagenarian cancer survivor and political activist, whose treatment by the state has highlighted the utter disregard for age, health, or human dignity when it comes to silencing political opposition. The fact that Dr. Rashid, a member of Pakistan’s political elite, has been subjected to such harsh treatment speaks volumes about the lengths to which the current regime is willing to go to suppress dissent. This political victimization is an indictment of the ruling government, which has failed to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of Pakistani citizens. The fact that many of these incarcerations are not even listed in verified statistics only deepens the concern and highlights the state’s ongoing erosion of democratic principles.
Another area where Pakistan’s human rights record is rapidly deteriorating is in the realm of digital rights. As the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) pointed out in a recent press release, the country has seen a significant shift from tacit censorship to more overt and direct measures, particularly in the digital sphere. Increasingly stringent regulations and outright bans on social media platforms have stifled freedom of expression, while also creating an environment in which the flow of information is tightly controlled by the state. The HRCP has rightly emphasized that the government must not only protect the right to free speech but also prioritize the right to connectivity, especially for gig workers who rely on the internet for their livelihoods.
The situation is further exacerbated by Pakistan’s poor standing in global digital rankings. According to a study published in October, Pakistan ranked 100th out of 111 countries reviewed for mobile and broadband internet speed. This slow internet speed is more than just an inconvenience—it is a serious impediment to freedom of expression and the right to work, particularly for those in the gig economy. The inability to access reliable internet services restricts people’s ability to communicate, engage in business activities, and access information, all of which are essential to their personal and professional lives. This limitation on connectivity further underscores the government’s failure to recognize the intersectionality between the right to work, digital access, and human rights.
In addition to the growing restrictions on digital rights, Pakistan’s record on the protection of religious minorities and vulnerable groups remains deeply troubling. Religious minorities, women, and children continue to be subjected to systemic discrimination, physical violence, and emotional abuse, with little recourse to justice. Despite the existence of laws meant to protect these groups, the application of these laws remains abysmally low. The conviction rates for crimes against religious minorities, women, and children are shockingly low, which only serves to perpetuate the cycle of abuse and impunity. This failure to uphold the law, coupled with a lack of political will to address these issues, demonstrates the need for a human rights regime that goes beyond paying lip service to fundamental liberties.
The status quo in Pakistan is not only a failure to uphold human rights but also a reflection of the state’s unwillingness to take meaningful action to address these grave issues. The country’s human rights landscape is characterized by a deep sense of injustice, where the most vulnerable groups are denied basic protections and where political dissent is met with ruthless repression. These violations are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of systemic abuses that have come to define the current political regime.
One of the key reasons for this ongoing crisis is the lack of accountability. Political elites are rarely held responsible for their actions, and the judiciary is often complicit in upholding the status quo, rather than delivering justice for those who have been wronged. The failure to hold those in power accountable for human rights violations has created a culture of impunity, where abuses can be committed without fear of repercussion. This impunity allows the cycle of abuse and repression to continue unchecked, leaving ordinary Pakistanis to suffer the consequences.
The situation in Pakistan calls for urgent reform. There must be a concerted effort to uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of political activists and vulnerable groups, and ensure that all individuals have access to justice. The government must take immediate steps to address the growing repression of political dissent, including the release of all political prisoners and the end of politically motivated arrests. The digital rights of Pakistan’s citizens must also be safeguarded, with greater efforts to ensure that access to information and communication is not restricted by state-imposed barriers.
Moreover, Pakistan must take a proactive stance on protecting its religious minorities, women, and children from abuse and violence. The country’s laws must be enforced with diligence and fairness, and the judicial system must be reformed to ensure that those responsible for crimes against these groups are held accountable. The state must recognize the fundamental human rights of all citizens, regardless of their race, religion, or gender, and work toward creating an inclusive society where everyone’s rights are respected.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s human rights crisis is a multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention and action. The growing repression of political dissent, coupled with the state’s failure to protect the rights of vulnerable groups and uphold digital freedoms, highlights the need for deep-rooted reforms. Only by addressing these issues head-on can Pakistan begin to build a society where the rights and dignity of all its citizens are respected and protected. The time for change is now, and the government must act swiftly to restore the rule of law and ensure that human rights are no longer just a distant aspiration, but a living reality for all Pakistanis.
