Human Rights
Human rights are universally recognized moral principles or norms that
establish standards of human behavior and are often protected by both
national and international laws.
Historical background
The concept of human rights has been undergone different developments
over hundreds of years through various cultures, religions, and historical
occurrences. Although the contemporary notion of human rights became
increasingly formalized within the 20th century, its origin go much earlier
back in time.
Early Influences
- Ancient Civilizations: Ancient societies showed some of the earliest
concepts about justice and equity. For instance:
- The Code of Hammurabi (Babylon, circa 1750 BCE) established laws to
safeguard individuals, although punishments were severe.
- In Ancient India, Buddhism and Hinduism taught compassion and non-
violence.
- Greek philosophers such as Socrates and Aristotle spoke about justice and
equality, although their concepts did not cover rights for slaves or women.
- Religious Teachings: Most religions brought moral principles that later
impacted human rights.
- Christianity, Islam, and Judaism emphasized that all humans have dignity
and worth.
- The Ten Commandments of the Bible and the Quran's teachings on justice
highlighted in treating people with justice.
Historical Developments
- Magna Carta (1215, England): Among the early texts to curtail a king's
authority and secure the individuals' rights, but which primarily helped noble
ones.
- The Enlightenment (17th-18th Century): Scholars such as John Locke who
contended that the human beings are born with inalienable rights to life,
liberty, and property apparently. Such innovate ideas informed America and
France revolutions.
- American and French Revolutions:
- The American Declaration of Independence (1776) claimed that "all men
are created equal" with rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
- The French Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789) affirmed freedom,
equality, and brotherhood as inherent rights.
20th Century and Modern Human Rights
Following the atrocities of World War II, the world acknowledged that there
was a need for an international system to safeguard human rights.
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948): Established by
the United Nations, this was the initial international convention enumerating
the basic rights for all individuals around the globe, irrespective of race,
religion and nationality.
- Subsequent Treaties: As time passes, more particular treaties were
concluded, e.g.:
- Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966)
Magna Carta(1215)
The Magna Carta (Great Charter) of 1215 is a foundational document in the
history of constitutional law and human rights. While it was originally a peace
treaty between King John of England and rebellious barons, its principles,
clauses 39 and 40 laid the groundwork for modern human rights, including
due process and the rule of law.
The Magna Carta of
human rights
1. Equal Rights for All
No one is above the law. Every person, rich or poor, must be treated equally.
2. No Unfair Arrests
No one can be jailed or punished without a fair trial.
3. Fair and Speedy Justice
Courts must be honest, quick, and open to all. Justice should not be bought
or delayed.
4. Leaders Must Follow the Law
No government or leader can abuse power. Those in charge must obey the
same rules as everyone else.
5. Protection of Property
No one’s home, land, or belongings can be taken away without a good
reason and fair payment.
6. Freedom to Move and Live
People should be free to travel, live, and work where they choose, without
unfair restrictions.
7. Fair Treatment in Court
No one can be forced to admit guilt. Everyone has the right to defend
themselves in court.
8. No Forced Labor or Unfair Taxes
People should not be forced to work against their will or pay unfair taxes.
9. Rights for Women and Minorities
The law must protect everyone, no matter their gender, race, or
background.
10. Everyone Must Protect These Rights
Governments and people must work together to defend these freedoms.
Source: [Link]
Pakistan 1973
Constitution about
human rights
The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan is the foundational backbone of the
country’s legal framework that provides an enumerated make sure the rights
and liberties of its citizens. One of its essential and important components is
the guarantee of fundamental human rights so that every individual is
treated fairly and with justice completely. It expressly prohibits discrimination
on the basis of race, religion, or sex, and it promotes equal opportunity for
all. In addition to that, the protections under law, the Constitution
guarantees important liberties to citizens, including the freedoms of speech,
religion, association, and assembly. The Constitution also protects individuals
against abuse, imprisonment, forced labor, and injustice, and it recognizes
the right to an education and a fair trial, reminding all that justice should be
an option for everyone. The Constitution also provides a framework of special
protections for minorities and disenfranchised people, making certain their
concerns are not muted. Perhaps the most important aspect of these rights
is that the Constitution permits individuals to bring lawsuits in court based on
a violation of rights. Consequently, the Constitution transcends a list of
written laws it functionally seeks to provide dignity, justice, and equality to
every Pakistani citizen.
1. 1. Equal Treatment Under Law (Article 25)- All individuals are to be
treated equally under the law.- There is to be no discrimination on
account of race, caste, religion, and/or gender.- Laws may be made to
favor women, children, and minorities.
2. 2. 2. Freedom from Discrimination (Article 26 & 27)- No individual can
be denied access to a public place (school, park, etc.), based on race,
caste, religion, and/or gender. All citizens meeting predetermined and
published qualifications have an equal opportunity for working in the
government.
3. 3. Protection of Life & Liberty (Article 9)- No individual may be
arbitrarily deprived of life or liberty.
4. 4. Protection Against Illegal Arrest (Article 10)- Individuals arrested for
any alleged breach of the law must be informed of the reason for their
arrest and when and where proceedings will take place before a
competent tribunal.- The police must bring an individual within 24
hours to see a judge or magistrate.
5. 5. Slavery and Forced Labor Prohibited (Article 11)- There shall be no
slavery, and/or any form of forced labor.- Children under the age of 14
cannot be employed in factories and/or mines.
6. 6. Double Punishment and Self-Incrimination Prohibited (Article 13)- No
individual can be tried or punished twice for the same offense.- No
individual can be compelled to testify against themselves.
7. 7. Freedom of Movement (Article 15)- Every citizen has the freedom to
freely move and reside in every part of Pakistan.
8. Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19)- Every citizen shall have
the right of free speech and expression but is subject to reasonable
legislative limitations in the interest of public order, morality, or security.9.
Freedom of Religion (Article 20)
- Every citizen has the right to practice, preach, and follow their religion.
- Religious minorities can run their own religious institutions.
9. Right to Education (Article 25-A)
- Free and compulsory education for children aged 5 to 16.
10. Protection of Property (Article 24)
- No one’s property can be taken by the government without a valid
reason and fair compensation.
11. Right to Information (Article 19-A)
- Citizens have the right to access government information (except for
national security or privacy concerns).
12. Safeguards for Arrested Persons (Article 14)
- No torture or degrading treatment is allowed.
- Confessions obtained by force cannot be used in court.
Source:
[Link]
Human Rights
voilations in
Pakistan:
Human rights abuses happen when individuals are deprived of their
inherent freedoms, dignity, and protections—the very facets that make
life equitable and right. All persons, irrespective of where they come from,
what they believe, or how they choose to live, should be treated with
respect and equity. Tools such as the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (UDHR) are in place to safeguard these rights, yet unfortunately,
abuses continue to occur everywhere.
When a person is unjustly imprisoned, tortured, silenced, or discriminated
against their human rights are being violated. Governments, powerful
institutions, and even individuals can be held accountable for such
violations. Whether it’s individuals suffering under repressive regimes,
workers being exploited, or communities being subjected to racial and
gender-based discrimination, the consequences are catastrophic—not only
for those immediately affected, but for society at large. These abuses sow
fear, torment, and polarization that make the world less stable. But there
is hope. Everywhere around the world, people are struggling for justice—
seeking freedom, equity, and accountability. Respecting human rights is
not about laws and policy; it is about holding on to one another and
making sure no one becomes voiceless and vulnerable. Because in the
end of the day, humanity flourishes when we take care of and respect
each other.
Types of Human
Rights Violations in
Pakistan
1) Violation of Women Rights in Pakistan:
Women in Pakistan experience different rights abuses such as gender
violence, restricted education(especially for womens) and healthcare
opportunities, and state-sponsored discrimination. Problems like honor
killings, forced marriages, and weak legal guarantees perpetuate
widespread impunity and disparity among womens. Following are major
reasons:
- Honor Killings: About more than 1,000 honor killings take place
every year in Pakistan, usually rationalized by family members as
regaining family honor.
Legal loopholes had previously enabled the perpetrators to escape justice
on grounds of family pardon, but the new laws intend to seal the
loopholes.
- Gender Based Violence: There is prevalent violence against
women with most of these cases remaining unreported owing to
societal stigma and fear of revenge.
The legal system is not always able to provide protection to all the victims
everytime, and many women become victimized again while demanding
for justice.
- Cultural and Familial Pressures: The culture is based on strict and
harsh gender roles, and discrimination takes place in both public
and private realms.
Violence against women is largely based within families, making it very
difficult to demand justice.
- Legal Structure and Enforcement: While legislation such as the
Women’s Protection Act exists, the enforcement is very weak,
particularly in the rural areas.
Tribal councils (jirgas) exert significant pressures that often contradict
formal legal structures, that results in unfair outcomes.
- Education and Healthcare Access: Women have been highly
restricted access to education, characterized by high levels of
dropout as well as compromised access to proper schooling.
Health services are very poor, especially in rural towns, which affect
women’s health and well-being.
2) Child Rights and Violation of Child Labour Rights in Pakistan:
Violations of child rights in Pakistan appear in the form of several
horrifying events and institutionalized realities. Children are subjected to
physical, psychological, and sexual abuses, supplemented by poverty and
illiteracy. Child labor continues to be widespread, and most of the children
are compelled into dangerous working conditions, robbing them of their
childhood and education. Thousands of children have been said to be
sexually abused, and the cases are often underreported because of
societal stigma. Children from vulnerable groups of society are also
especially at risk of being exploited and trafficked. The ineffective
legislation and lack of enforcement also help in these violations, as most
of the perpetrators escape punishment. Cultural norms tend to favor
economic contributions over children’s rights, resulting in a cycle of abuse
and neglect. The problem is exacerbated by poor access to healthcare
and education, rendering children without the support they need to
survive. These violations must be addressed through far-reaching reforms
and a dedication to safeguarding the rights of all children in Pakistan.
Violations of child rights in Pakistan are deeply entrenched in socio-
economic issues and cultural practices. One major contributing factor is
child labour, in which children are forced to work under dangerous
conditions, usually in farms or factories, to sustain their families
economically. Poverty encourages parents to give more importance to the
immediate economic survival over education, leading to high school
dropout rates. Also, the incidence of child marriages, especially in rural
settings, also compounds the problem, with girls being married off in
many cases below the age of 18 years, stealing them from education and
independence. Incidences of sexual abuse and trafficking are excessively
rampant, with most not reported owing to social stigma and fear of
retaliation. Poor legal protections and enforcement procedures provide
loopholes for these abuses to thrive, leaving children exposed. In addition
to that, poor access to education and healthcare sustains a poverty and
exploitation cycle, making it imperative for systemic changes to secure
the children’s rights in Pakistan.
3) Labour Rights Abuses in Pakistan:
Labour rights abuses in Pakistan are shockingly very common, especially
in the garment industry, where employees are exposed to exploitation
and are in unsafe working environments. Two fatal industrial factory fire
accidents demonstrate these concerns: the Karachi garment factory blaze
of 2012, which results in more than 260 deaths, and the Lahore factory
fire in 2021, which caused many deaths. In both tragedies, reflected the
deplorable absence of safety precautions and emergency procedures
within the workplaces. In Karachi, the fire was blamed on locked and
poorly functioning of fire safety equipment, and in Lahore, the incident
highlighted negligence, where workers were trapped because of
substandard safety. These trayseries highlight a wider trend of systemic
abuses, including non-payment of minimum wages, absence of written
contracts, and suppression of labor rights. The lack of proper government
supervision and accountability makes such abuses possible, exposing
workers to exploitation and hazardous working conditions. The
International Labour Organization (ILO) has urged immediate reforms to
enhance workplace safety and safeguard workers’ rights, pointing out that
unless drastic changes are made, the cycle of violations will continue,
risking lives and livelihoods nationwide. Resolution of these issues is
important in the interest of the dignity and safety of workers in Pakistan’s
industry.
Source: [Link]
pacific/south-asia/pakistan/report-pakistan/
[Link]
[Link]
factory-fire
4) Majority Rights versus Minority Guarantees
Pakistan, a multicultural country with several ethnic, religious, and
linguistic minorities, has witnessed serious human rights issues. Despite
the fact that democracy in theory guarantees majority rule, the state has
grappled with widespread discrimination against minorities, oppression of
opposition, and human rights violations by state and non-state actors. We
analyze the major human rights abuses in Pakistan, with a focus on how
majority rule has tended to keep vulnerable groups on the margins.
1. Religious Minorities and Persecution
Pakistani blasphemy laws (Sections 295-B and 295-C of the Penal Code)
have been widely condemned for victimizing religious minorities such as
Christians and Hindus. The laws are consistently abused to serve personal
grudges or to trigger the mob violence.
Example: Mashal Khan lynching (a Muslim student mistakenly accused for
the case of blasphemy) and Jaranwala attacks (2023), during which
Christian houses and churches were destroyed by the mobs.
- Source: [Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Blasphemy Laws]
2. Choking of Freedom of Expression
Journalists, activists, and political dissidents faced harassed publicly and
enforced disappeared, and are even killed for speaking against the
military or government.
Example: The recent case of Arshad Sharif(News anchor at ARY News)
assassinated in Kenya after he escaped from Pakistan due to the fear of
threats.
Source: [Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Report
3. Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination
Womens are subjected to honor killings, forced marriages, and have very
limited access to justice. Perpetrators are let off by the Qisas and Diyat
laws through payment of compensation.
Example: The case of Mukhtaran Mai, who was denied justice for years as
a gang-rape victim.
Source: [Amnesty International on Women’s Rights)
4. Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Ethnic minorities in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reports enforced
disappearances caused due to security forces. Activists out there also
claims that the state uses extrajudicial methods to suppress the
separatist movements.
Example: The Baloch missing persons movement, where thousands
remained unaccounted for
Source : [Link]
[Link]
sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://
[Link]/news/2022/12/7/killing-of-pakistani-journalist-arshad-
sharif-kenya-planned-
assasination&ved=2ahUKEwjYv8zJkb2MAxURcvEDHf_3MUIQFnoECHEQAQ
&usg=AOvVaw24g-doTGcmyb--tgnQjAiI
[Link]
demanding-their-rights-now/a-48049179
[Link]
Aurat March: A Rising
Women’s Rights
Social Movement in
Pakistan
Aurat March (Women’s March) is now a leading feminist movement in
Pakistan, with its calls for gender equality, autonomy over bodies, and
abolition of patriarchal oppression. In just two years since its launching in
2018, the march has heightened visibility, elicitating praise as well as
condemnation. Even as it managed to place issues of women’s rights on
center stage, criticism comes its way on its modus operandi,
representation, and acceptance by a conservative state.
Strengths of the Movement
1. Creating Awareness on Major Issues
Aurat March has successfully brought attention to systemic issues like
gender-based violence, sexual harassment at the workplace, and
discriminatory legislation. Slogans such as *”Mera Jism, Meri Marzi”* (My
Body, My Will) question patriarchal norms and insist on bodily agency. This
movement has also brought up the economic inequality, demanding for a
equal pay and women’s labor rights as well.
2. Promoting Public Debate
By hosting annual parades or gatherings in big cities like Lahore and
karachi, Aurat March has attracted Pakistani society to confront the
unwelcoming realities regarding misogyny. Both negative and positive
media attention has magnified discussions surrounding women’s rights,
making feminism a topic on National TV.
3. Intersectional Approach
In contrast to earlier feminist activisms in Pakistan, Aurat March
incorporates 2ith the marginalized segments of society, including
transgender women, religious minorities, and working-class women. This
intersectionality makes it more appealing as a progressive movement that
is in struggle for wider social justice.
Criticisms and Challenges
1. Backlash from Conservative Groups
The movement is also met with strong resistance from religious and
conservative forces who term it as “Western-inspired” and contrary to
Islamic principles. The criticism comes in the form of purportedly
culturally unsuitable bold slogans and demands that contribute to
misinformation as well as threats aimed at organizers.
2. Class and Representation Issues
Some people argued that the Aurat March is controlled by elite, urban
women and restricts its influence to rural communities where patriarchal
systems are deeply rooted in them. Although it actually supports labor
rights, an working-class women’s participation is limited, leaving issues of
inclusiveness.
3. Effectiveness Beyond Symbolism
Though the march effectively raises consciousness or awareness, critics
challenge its concrete effect. Pakistan still continues to struggle with high
levels of honor killings, forced marriages, and the low female literacy.
Without more effective policy advocacy and legal changes, the movement
may remain symbolic and not transformative.
Source: [Link]
rights-social-movement-in-pakistan/
[Link]
womens-struggle-in-pakistan/
[Link]
Role of Asma Jahangir
of Human Rights in
Pakistan
Asma Jahangir (1952-2018) was a prominent Pakistani human rights
lawyer, social activist, and a fearless advocate for democracy, women's
rights, and minority rights in Pakistan. She made several contributions
towards human rights in Pakistan that got her recognition worldwide,
including the Right Livelihood Award (2014) and nominations for the Nobel
Peace Prize.
Asma Jahangir in Human Rights in Pakistan:
1. Founding Human Rights Organizations
- She established the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in
1987 – one of the most well-known rights organizations in Pakistan.
- Women's Action Forum (WAF)– The foremost feminist collective that
struggled against laws making distinctions and the Hudood Ordinances,
just to mention a few, for women's rights.
2. Legal Advocacy & Defense of Marginalized Groups
- Helplessness against religious minorities like Ahmadiyya, Christians,
Hindus from laws against blasphemy and forced conversions.
- Fighting for the cases of enforced disappearances particularly in
Balochistan and Sindh.
- Challenges military dictatorships (Zia-ul-Haq, Pervez Musharraf) and
works in favor of democracy.
3. Women's Rights & Gender Equality
- Against honor killings, child marriages, domestic violence.
- Advocated as to changes in the rape laws that caused the Women's
Protection Act to be promulgated in 2006.
- Provided free legal aid for poor and abused women.
4. Opposition to Authoritarianism & Judicial Activism
- An important part of the Lawyers' Movement (2007) for the restoration
of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.
- To criticize in genuine terms the military interventions in politics and
human rights abuses by state agencies.
Conclusion
Human rights are integral and form the base of a fair and just in a society,
and they have their foundations in generations of philosophical, religious,
and legal evolutions. Ranging from ancient civilizations to modern
international treaties like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR),
the concept of human rights has evolved to encompass an all-embracing
scope of dignity, equality, and justice for all humans. Significant historical
events such as the Magna Carta and Enlightenment formed the solid base
upon which stood modern human rights frameworks, including the 1973
Constitution of Pakistan, which guarantees against fundamental freedoms
and protects all its citizens’ rights. However, in front of several legal
provisions, there are several critical human rights issues faced by Pakistan
today. Systemic discrimination and violence against women are entrenched
with limited access to education and health facilities. Child labor, abuse, and
trafficking result primarily from poverty and weak enforcement of laws. Labor
right violations are mainly in the industry as garment manufacture and
industrial establishments indicate unsafe working conditions and
exploitation. Minority religious ethnic groups face persecution. The
manifestations of forced disappearance, as well as curtailment of freedom of
expression, also denigrate human rights. Movements like Aurat March and
figures such as Asma Jahangir have bravely fought for this cause. Systematic
barriers remain.
Preventing Human Rights Violations:
1. Strengthening legal frameworks against the background of ensuring
effective, strict enforcement of all existing laws such as Woman’s Protection
Act and child labor prohibitions, closing loopholes that allow the perpetrator
to evade justice for wrongdoing.
2. Increase Awareness and Education: Educate on human rights at all levels
and then establish a culture of respect and equality. Public campaigns can be
used to declaim some norms such as honor killings and other gender
discriminatory practices.
3. Empower Marginalized Groups: Legal empowerment, economic
opportunities, and access to platforms should be given to women, minorities,
and laborers to voice concerns. Grassroots movements such as Aurat March
should be strengthened for further development.
4. Accountability and Transparency: Seize any governmental body,
institution, or corporation to judge based on its involvement in human rights
violations. There must be a call for independent oversight bodies to
investigate the abuses, especially with cases of enforced disappearance and
labor rights rights.
5. International Cooperation: Forge links with global organizations like the UN
and ILO toward action on reform and application of practices in human rights
protection.
Human rights are not just legal principles; they are a collective responsibility.
Once the world, including Pakistan, straightens the system, fills the voids,
adds to inclusivity, and does justice, it moves closer to that ideal tomorrow
when every single individual enjoys the rights that his or her peers do. The
history of activists such as Asma Jahangir serves as a reminder that one’s
progress is possible through relentless dedication to establishing justice and
equality. Let us pledge to protect these rights for the generations not yet
born.