Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Pakistan are currently holding one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history. Any CSO that advocates for human rights or increases awareness of the constitutional protection measures guaranteed by Pakistan’s supreme law – the Constitution – is likely to be exposed to harassment and threats.
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is such an organization that has worked tirelessly to promote human rights in Pakistan for almost four decades. Founded in the oppressive era of General Ziaul Haq’s military dictatorship in 1986, HRCP owes much of the start of Asma Jahangir’s efforts.
She was supported by a number of Stalwarts in Pakistan’s civil society, including Afrasiab Khattak, Dr. Mehdi Hasan, Dr. Mubashir Hasan, Hina Jilani, Hussain Naqi, IA Rehman, Iqbal Haider, Justices Dorab Patel and Fakhruddin G Ebrahim, including – all of WHOM’s personal and professional and professional records.
HRCP has remained an independent, non-political and non-profit organ. Its scope spans a wide range of civilians, cultural, economic and political rights. Through regular fact-venue missions and in-depth research, it consistently monitors and documents human rights conditions across the country.
It operates strictly within the constitutional framework of Pakistan and raises its voice where it is necessary to defend basic freedoms. It also adapts its work with international human rights conventions and treaties that Pakistan is required to maintain.
Now the 80th year of an independent state knows, Pakistan should have the confidence and maturity to support institutions and individuals working for the public. However, increasing marginalization and systemic discrimination of vulnerable societies have put a huge burden on national unity. Expansion of class differences has left almost half of the population uncertain about their next meal. HRCP brings attention to these urgent questions and ensures that the state remains informed – not only about what is happening at the borders, but also within the daily lives of citizens across the country.
Whether it addresses gender and racial discrimination, religious and sectarian division, ethnic conflict, disability rights or sexual orientation, HRCP seeks to be voice voice. Or as Arundhati Roy puts it, it gives voice to those whose voices have been systematically suppressed by the powerful.
In Pakistan, exclusion is widespread, making vulnerable communities even more marginalized. HRCP stands with children, farmers, religious minorities and survivors of abuse. Its annual reports of human rights are among the most credible and comprehensive assessments of rights and freedoms in the country, respected both nationally and internationally.
HRCP also publishes a monthly Urdu newsletter, Jehd-E-Haq, who reach thousands of readers in both printed and digital formats. Few other human rights organizations in Pakistan maintain operational offices in eight cities – from Gilgit to Karachi. Across dozens of districts, hundreds of volunteers dedicate their time and energy to keep HRCP informed. Hundreds more active members proudly connect with this important watchdog.
Internationally, HRCP is a basic member of South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) and an active participant in the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). It is also affiliated with global networks such as World Coalition against the death penalty, Asia and Pacific Forum for women, law and development and the global network of democratic election monitors.
Since 2010, HRCP has had special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. Its council members, including Asma Jahangir and Hina Jilani, have served as UN special rapporteurs and representatives of the most important human rights panels for Palestine and Sri Lanka.
However, there has recently been concern about attempting to limit the work of the Commission.
HRCP has long expressed alarms over the increasingly hostile environment for human rights advocates in Pakistan. As a life member of HRCP, I have personally witnessed a number of arbitrary and illegal acts that prevent the organization’s ability to fulfill his mandate. While CSOs have always been monitored here, the recent overreach is intensified. Individuals who claim to represent different agencies have disturbed HRCP events that often require a NO-Efertal Certificate (NOC), even for indoor meetings.
This is unprecedented. There has never been a legal requirement for NOCs for indoor gatherings, yet such requirements have become routine. Pakistan may be one of the few countries where citizens are routinely asked for NOCs and photocopies of identity cards that often submit hundreds over a lifetime. Now this bureaucratic bureaucracy – more nuisance than necessity – becomes weapons.
HRCP officials have even appeared on national television to condemn harassment. A high -level consultation in Islamabad on militantity and the influence of terrorism on human rights had to be canceled. Similarly, a round table in Gilgit on local community’s rights to natural resources was also hindered. Government departments and local legislators had confirmed their participation in both events.
Across Pakistan, HRCP staff and members have repeatedly been subject to harassment. By 2024, HRCP’s head office had its electricity meter removed and a bank froze HRCP’s account, quoting a state bank directive – only to later deny the existence of such instruction when it was brought to court.
The state must respect the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of assembly, association, expression and movement. The limited number of human rights defenders in Pakistan must be allowed to work without fear or interference. The unnecessary obstacle of CSOs reflects a troubled paranoia that permeates power corridors. As Pakistan approaches its 80 -year anniversary, it is high time that its institutions began to maintain the rights of all citizens and organizations.
All nations should prioritize their people’s well -being. A tolerant and inclusive society must be the ultimate goal. At present, exclusion is floring; What we need is greater inclusion and justice.
HRCP’s work deserves recognition. Its 2024 report, for example, highlights the erosion of democratic standards and the rule of law. The state probably finds such critics unpleasant, especially when HRCP draws attention to the weakening of parliamentary institutions or the worsening security situation in regions as Kurram.
HRCP has also condemned long -term closures and supply disorders that have led to humanitarian crises. It requires more bourgeois freedoms, better governance and improved law and order is timely and important. Civil society organizations play an important role in securing Pakistan’s political and social stability, and they must be allowed to operate without unnecessary restrictions.
HRCP has been the vocals of the dangerous abuse of blasphemous accusations leading to mobile violence and vigilance. It is precisely this brave, principle attitude that makes HRCP so important.
The government and the state would make it good to keep hands away from HRCP. Suppression of dissent and sound -absorbing watchdogs creates only a stifling silence. It’s the last thing this country needs or deserves.
The author has a Ph.D. from the University of Birmingham, UK. He posts @Naazirmahmood and can be reached at: [email protected]
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and does not necessarily reflect Pakinomist.tv’s editorial policy.
Originally published in the news
