Civil Society Organizations (CSO) in Pakistan are currently supporting one of the most challenging periods in the history of the country. Any OSC that advocates human rights or creates awareness about constitutional safeguards guaranteed by Pakistan’s Supreme Law, the Constitution, it is likely that harassment and intimidation are probable.
The Pakistan Human Rights Commission (HRCP) is one of those organizations that has worked tirelessly to promote human rights in Pakistan for almost four decades. Founded during the oppressive era of the military dictatorship of General Ziaul Haq in 1986, the HRCP owes much of its beginnings to the efforts of asthma Jahangir.
It was supported by a large number of unconditional in the civil society of Pakistan, including Afrasiab Khattak, Dr. Mehdi Hasan, Dr. Mubashir Hasan, Hina Jilani, Hussain Naqi, Iia Rehman, Iqbal Haider, Judges Dorab Patel and Fakhruddin G ebrahim, among others, all of which had not been sown.
The HRCP has remained an independent body, not political and non -profit. Its scope covers a wide range of civil, cultural, economic and political rights. Through regular facts of investigation of facts and in -depth research, it constantly monitors and documes the conditions of human rights throughout the country.
It operates strictly within the constitutional framework of Pakistan, raising his voice where necessary to defend fundamental freedoms. Also align her work with international human rights conventions and the treaties that Pakistan is obliged to defend.
Now near his 80 years as an independent state, Pakistan should have confidence and maturity to support institutions and people who work for the public good. However, the increase in marginalization and systemic discrimination against vulnerable communities have exerted great pressure on national unity. The expansion of class disparities has left almost half of the uncertain population about their next meal. The HRCP calls attention to these pressing problems, ensuring that the State remains informed, not only about what happens at the borders, but also in the daily life of citizens throughout the country.
Whether addressing gender and racial discrimination, religious and sectarian divisions, ethnic conflicts, disability rights or sexual orientation, HRCP seeks to be the voice of the voiceless. Or, as Arundhati Roy says, he gives voice to those whose voices have been systematically suppressed by the powerful.
In Pakistan, exclusion is generalized, which makes vulnerable communities even more marginalized. The HRCP meets children, farmers, religious minorities and abuse survivors. His annual reports of the Human Rights State are among the most credible and integral evaluations of rights and freedoms in the country, respected both nationally and internationally.
The HRCP also publishes a monthly URDU bulletin, Jehd-E-HAQ, which reaches thousands of readers in print and digital formats. Few other human rights organizations in Pakistan maintain operational offices in eight cities, from Gilgit to Karachi. In dozen districts, hundreds of volunteers dedicate their time and energy to keep HRCP informed. Hundreds of more active members are proud of this vital guard dog.
Internationally, HRCP is a founding member of South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) and an active participant in the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH). It is also affiliated with global networks such as the World Death Penalty coalition, the Women’s Forum, Law and Development of Asia Pacific and the Global Network of Democratic Electoral Monitors.
Since 2010, HRCP has had a special advisory status with the UN Economic and Social Council. The members of their council, including Astma Jahangir and Hina Jilani, have served as recourse and special representatives of the UN in key human rights panels for Palestine and Sri Lanka.
However, there have recently been concerns regarding attempts to restrict the work of the commission.
The HRCP has expressed alarm for a long time on the increasingly hostile environment for human rights defenders in Pakistan. As a life member of the HRCP, I have personally witnessed a series of arbitrary and illegal actions that obstruct the organization’s ability to fulfill its mandate. While the CSO have always been monitored here, recent overreach has been intensified. The people who claim to represent several agencies have interrupted HRCP events, often demanding a non -objection certificate (NOC) even for interior meetings.
This is not precedents. There has never been a legal requirement for Noc for Interior Meetings, however, suddenly such demands have become routine. Pakistan can be one of the few countries where citizens are routinely requested by Noc and photocopies of identity cards, often presenting hundreds throughout life. Now, this bureaucratic bureaucracy, more discomfort than the need, is being armed.
HRCP officials have even appeared on national television to condemn harassment. A high level consultation in Islamabad on militancy and the impact of terrorism on human rights had to be canceled. Similarly, a round table in Gilgit was also blocked on the rights of local communities to natural resources. Government departments and local legislators had confirmed their participation in both events.
In all Pakistan, staff and HRCP members have repeatedly faced harassment. In 2024, the HRCP central office took the electricity meter, and a bank froze the HRCP account, citing a state bank directive, only to deny the existence of said instruction when it is taken to court.
The State must respect the freedoms of assembly, association, expression and movement constitutionally guaranteed. The limited number of human rights defenders in Pakistan should work without fear or interference. The undue obstruction of the OSC reflects a worrying paranoia that permeates the power runners. As Pakistan approaches its 80th anniversary, it is time for their institutions to begin to defend the rights of all citizens and organizations.
All nations should prioritize the well -being of their people. A tolerant and inclusive society must be the final objective. At present, exclusion is rampant; 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 is likely to find such awkward criticisms, especially when the HRCP calls attention to the weakening of parliamentary institutions or the deterioration of the security situation in regions such as Kurram.
The HRCP has also condemned prolonged road closures and supply interruptions that have led to humanitarian crises. It is the call to more civic freedoms, better governance and better law and order is timely and essential. Civil society organizations play a vital role in guaranteeing the political and social stability of Pakistan, and should be allowed without undue restrictions.
The HRCP has expressed the dangerous misuse of the accusations of blasphemy that lead to the violence of the mafia and the vigilantism. It is precisely this brave and principles posture that makes HRCP so essential.
The Government and the State would do well to keep their hands out of the HRCP. Deleting dissent and silencing guard dogs will only create a suffocating silence. That is the last thing this country needs or deserves.
The writer has a doctorate from the University of Birmingham, the United Kingdom. PUBLIC @NAAZIRMAHMOOD and can be contacted in: [email protected]
Discharge of responsibility: The views expressed in this piece are that of writer and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of PakGazette.TV.
Originally published in the news
