Human Rights

Human rights are basic rights and freedoms inherent to all human beings,
regardless of nationality, gender, ethnicity, religion, or social status. They
include the right to life, liberty, equality, dignity, education, and freedom
of expression.
Characteristics of Human Rights:
 Universal
 Inalienable
 Interdependent and indivisible
 Protected by law
Understanding human rights is essential for analyzing political systems,
governance quality, and social justice in any country.
The United Nations has defined a broad range of internationally accepted
rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.
Historical Background of Human Rights in
Pakistan
Pakistan’s human rights journey is closely tied to:
 The 1940 Lahore Resolution, emphasizing protection of minority
rights
 The 1947 Partition, leading to mass migrations and human rights
crises
 The vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who advocated
equal citizenship
Over the decades, military regimes, political instability, and weak
institutions shaped the human rights landscape.
Constitutional Framework of Human Rights
Pakistan’s Constitution (1973) is the primary document protecting human
rights.
It includes:
 Objectives Resolution (1949)
 Fundamental Rights (Articles 8–28)
 Principles of Policy (Articles 29–40): Non-enforceable, but provide
guidance to the state
Fundamental Rights in the Constitution
 Article 9: Security of person
 Article 9A: Clean and Healthy Environment
 Article 10: Safeguards for arrest and detention
 Article 10A: Right to fair trial
 Article 11: Slavery, Forced labour etc prohibited
 Article 12: Protection against retrospective punishment
  Article 13: Protection against double punishment and self
incrimination
 Article 14: Inviolability of dignity of man & privacy of home
 Article 15: Freedom of movement etc
 Article 16: Freedom of Assembly
 Article 17: Freedom of Association
 Article 18: Freedom of trade, business and profession
 Article 19: Freedom of speech
 Article 19A: Right to information
 Article 20: Freedom of religion
 Article 21: Safeguard against taxation for purposes of any
particular religion
 Article 22: Safeguards as to educational institution in respect of
religion etc
 Article 23: Provisions as to property
 Article 24: Protection of Property Rights
 Article 25: Equality of citizens
 Article 25-A: Right to free & compulsory education
 Article 26: Non discrimination in respect of access to public places
 Article 27: Safeguard against discrimination in services
 Article 28: Preservation of Language, Script and Culture
These rights are enforceable by courts, and any law inconsistent with
fundamental rights may be struck down.
The Khutba Hajjatul Widda, or the Farewell Sermon, is considered a
charter of human rights that emphasizes equality regardless of race or
gender, the sanctity of life and property, and fair treatment for all. It also
established rules for social and economic justice, the importance of
kindness and compassion, the prohibition of usury and blood feuds, and
the rights of women and slaves.
Human Rights Institutions in Pakistan
 Ministry of Human Rights
 National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR)
 National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW)
 Child Protection Bureaus
 Provincial Human Rights Departments
 Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
 Aurat Foundation
 Edhi Foundation
 Legal Aid Society
These organizations monitor violations, provide advocacy, legal
assistance, and conduct awareness campaigns.
Major Human Rights Issues in Pakistan
1. Gender Inequality
o Domestic violence
o Honour killings
o Unequal access to education and employment
2. Child Rights Issues
o Child labour
o Child marriage
o Abuse and trafficking
3. Freedom of Expression
o Media censorship
o Restrictions on journalists
4. Minority Rights
o Cases of forced conversion
o Blasphemy-related violence
5. Legal System Challenges
o Slow judicial processes
o Overcrowded prisons
6. Economic Rights
o Poverty, unemployment, unequal wages
7. Digital and Privacy Rights
o Cybercrime laws
o Data protection concerns
Pakistan has made progress through:
 Anti-Honor Killing Laws (2016)
 Zainab Alert, Response & Recovery Act (2020)
 Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act (2018)
 Right to Information Acts (Federal and Provincial)
 Increased media freedom (despite challenges)
 Judicial activism and suo motu actions

International Commitments
Pakistan is a signatory to several major human rights treaties:
 UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
 International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR)
 International Convention on Elimination of all forms of Racial
Discrimination
 Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW)
 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
 Convention Against Torture and other Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment
 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
  Convention on the rights of persons with Disabilities
These commitments require Pakistan to ensure compliance and
submit periodic reports.
Human rights in Pakistan present a mix of achievements and challenges.
While the Constitution provides a strong framework and various reforms
have taken place, gaps remain due to:
 Weak implementation
 Socio-cultural barriers
 Political instability
 Institutional weaknesses
To build a just society, Pakistan must strengthen rule of law, empower
human rights institutions, and promote civic education.