Human Rights Situational Analysis

Pakistan’s human rights landscape is shaped by a combination of constitutional guarantees, international obligations, socio-political dynamics, and persistent structural inequalities. While the Constitution of Pakistan recognizes a broad range of fundamental rights—including the right to life, liberty, freedom of expression, religious freedom, and equality before the law—these rights are often compromised in practice due to weak enforcement, discriminatory laws, governance gaps, and systemic exclusion of vulnerable groups.

One of the most pressing issues is the limited protection of civil and political rights. Freedom of expression and freedom of the press have come under increasing threat, with media houses facing censorship, journalists subject to harassment and violence, and dissenting voices—including civil society actors—often silenced through legal and extralegal means. The use of vague laws such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to curtail digital speech has further constrained civic space, particularly for youth, activists, and marginalized communities.

Religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus, Ahmadis, and Shia Muslims, continue to face discrimination, violence, and legal persecution. The misuse of blasphemy laws has led to mob violence, false accusations, and, in some cases, extrajudicial killings. Despite national and international calls for reform, political sensitivities have impeded progress in ensuring adequate safeguards. The situation is exacerbated in regions like Punjab and Sindh, where forced conversions of minority women and girls remain a serious concern.

Gender-based violence remains widespread across Pakistan, taking the form of domestic abuse, honor killings, early and forced marriages, acid attacks, and sexual violence. Although legislative frameworks have improved—with laws such as the Domestic Violence Act, the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, and the Anti-Harassment at Workplace Act—the implementation remains inconsistent and often hampered by patriarchal attitudes within law enforcement and the judiciary. Women’s access to justice is hindered by stigma, inadequate legal aid, and societal pressure to resolve cases informally or within family structures. The Aurat March and other women’s rights movements have played a crucial role in raising awareness, but also face backlash and resistance.

Children’s rights are also a critical area of concern. Child labor, sexual exploitation, malnutrition, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare are prevalent, particularly in low-income and rural communities. Child marriage, despite being legally prohibited, continues due to weak enforcement and cultural norms. Reports of abuse in religious seminaries (madrassas), orphanages, and child domestic labor settings often go unaddressed due to power dynamics and lack of reporting mechanisms.

The rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) are gaining more attention, but much progress remains to be made. Legal protections under the ICT Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2020) exist, but implementation across provinces is uneven. PWDs face significant barriers in accessing education, healthcare, employment, and justice, compounded by social stigma and lack of infrastructure. There is a dire need for inclusive policymaking and community-based support systems.

Transgender persons, following the landmark Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, have seen legal recognition and protections enshrined in law. However, they continue to face discrimination, harassment, exclusion from employment and education, and violence—often from within families and communities. In recent years, the growing backlash against gender identity discourse and disinformation campaigns has further marginalized this already vulnerable group.

Pakistan has made commitments under several international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). However, compliance with these commitments is often delayed or selectively applied. National institutions such as the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) and provincial human rights departments exist but require greater independence, capacity, and political support to function effectively.

In conflict-affected regions like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and parts of Sindh, human rights violations are often compounded by insecurity, militarization, and the absence of robust civilian oversight. Reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and restrictions on movement are particularly concerning in these areas. The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has failed to provide meaningful redress or hold perpetrators accountable.

Despite these challenges, civil society and human rights defenders remain resilient. NGOs, legal aid organizations, and grassroots movements continue to advocate for reforms, provide essential services, and challenge impunity. However, they operate under increasing pressure, facing restrictive regulations, funding constraints, and surveillance.

Conclusion
The human rights situation in Pakistan is a paradox of progressive legal frameworks and regressive societal realities. While the state has taken important steps through legal reforms and ratification of international treaties, the full realization of rights remains elusive for large segments of the population. Deep-rooted patriarchal norms, religious intolerance, lack of political will, and weak institutional capacity continue to undermine the protection and promotion of human rights. Going forward, a rights-based, inclusive, and intersectional approach—backed by political commitment and active civic engagement—is essential to ensure that human dignity and justice are not just constitutional ideals but lived realities for all.