Rights review

LIKE any country in the world, Pakistan is host to multifaceted and complex human rights issues. The country’s marginalised groups, women, minorities, and children frequently face systemic rights violations that are rooted in entrenched power structures.
Perpetrators enjoy impunity, with little rehabilitative support offered to victims. It is thus of little surprise that Pakistan’s performance on international indexes is faltering. Pakistan ranked 164 out of 193 countries under the latest Human Development Index, placing it firmly in the “low human development” category in terms of education, health and income levels.
The situation on the ground is worrying, especially when one considers the Government of Pakistan’s international commitments under the seven core United Nations human rights treaties it has ratified. These treaties are more than just paper. They create concrete obligations for the government to respect and fulfil key civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of all those in its territory. On Oct 17, 2024, the Government of Pakistan’s performance pertaining to civil and political rights, as enshrined under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), will come under review before the UN Human Rights Committee. The committee will engage in a constructive dialogue with the government, at the end of which a list of recommendations will be issued.
While Pakistan has ratified the core UN human rights treaties, its commitment to upholding the rights within remains fragile. The upcoming review underscores the importance of reform. The National Commission for Human Rights (NHCR) plays a pivotal role in this process. In its capacity as an official, independent rights watchdog under the NCHR Act of 2012, it has resolved over 7,900 cases and played a key role in advocating for human rights at home and abroad. Through its research and advocacy, the NCHR has successfully challenged discriminatory practices, secured the release of prisoners, and worked to maintain our operational independence despite challenges. However, these efforts alone are not enough to reverse the systemic issues that hold Pakistan back. Our report to the UN committee outlines Pakistan’s legislative and administrative strides, but also highlights persistent challenges in enforcement.
An area of grave concern is violence against women. Despite constitutional and legal protections, 23 per cent of married women in Pakistan report physical abuse, while 26pc face emotional abuse. These alarming statistics point to systemic flaws in law enforcement and the judiciary, where patriarchal norms limit justice for victims. With only 18pc of reported rape cases reaching court, the path to justice is fraught with challenges. The economic cost of this violence, estimated at $189.7 million annually, is a further burden Pakistan can ill afford. Strengthening legal frameworks, providing better protection, and empowering women must become national priorities.
Religious minorities in Pakistan also face escalating violence and discrimination. The misuse of blasphemy laws led to 705 people being jailed by mid-2024, and continues to cause concern, while forced conversions — especially of Hindu girls — underline the vulnerabilities of marginalised communities. While legislative measures exist, enforcement is weak, leaving minority groups exposed to socioeconomic and religious persecution. The NCHR has worked diligently to address these issues but recognises that more comprehensive reforms are urg­e­ntly needed, particularly in tackling extremism and reforming re­­ligious education.
Torture and ill-treatment by law enforcement rem­ain troubling rea­lities. Despite the passage of the Tor­-ture and Custo­d­ial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act in 2022, implementation has been slow. Torture is not only a violation of human dignity, but a symptom of larger institutional flaws. Inhumane prison conditions, exacerbated by overcrowding and inadequate medical care, add to the suffering, with pre-trial detainees making up a significant portion of the prison population.
Pakistan’s international human rights obligations are not just boxes to be ticked — they represent the rights and dignity of its people. As we approach the next ICCPR review, the NCHR will continue to advocate for reforms that bring us closer to fulfilling these commitments. The government must act decisively to improve conditions for women, minorities, and the incarcerated, ensuring that no one in Pakistan is left behind. The future of human rights in Pakistan depends on meaningful action. It’s time to turn rhetoric into reality.
The writer is the chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights.
Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2024