Pakistan is facing significant human rights challenges, including attacks on freedom of expression, religion, and women’s rights. The government has been criticized for using sedition and counterterrorism laws to silence critics, including journalists and opposition leaders.
Freedom of Expression Under Threat:
Journalists who speak out against the government face threats, attacks, and arrests. For instance, Imran Riaz Khan, a journalist, was arrested in May and hasn’t been presented in court since ¹. The government also pressures media outlets not to criticize government institutions or the judiciary.
Religious Minorities Targeted:
Religious minorities, particularly Ahmadis, face persecution and violence. The government hasn’t repealed blasphemy laws, which have led to dozens of deaths and arbitrary arrests. In one instance, an Ahmadi man was fatally shot in a courtroom.
Violence Against Women:
Women and girls face widespread violence, including rape, murder, acid attacks, and forced marriage. An estimated 1,000 women are killed in “honor killings” every year. The government has failed to provide adequate protection or hold perpetrators accountable.
Economic Crisis:
Pakistan’s economic crisis has exacerbated poverty, inflation, and unemployment, jeopardizing millions of people’s rights to healthcare, food, and an adequate standard of living. The International Monetary Fund’s austerity measures have added to the hardship.
