Human Rights
Definition:
Human Rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the
world, simply because they are human regardless of race, nationality, gender, language,
religion, or any other status.
They are universal, inalienable, and equal for all. These rights ensure that people can live
with dignity, freedom, equality, justice, and peace.
Characteristics of Human Rights:
1. Universal
o Apply to all people, everywhere, without discrimination.
o Example: A child in Pakistan has the same right to education as a child in the
USA.
2. Inalienable
o Cannot be taken away, not transferable except in rare legal situations there are
some rights which can be transferred like property rights.
3. Indivisible and Interdependent
o All human rights are connected. You can’t fully enjoy one right without the
others. You have the right to education But to enjoy it, you also need:
Right to freedom of movement (to go to school)
Right to safety (to feel secure at school)
Right to freedom of expression (to ask questions and learn)
4. Equal and Non-Discriminatory
o Everyone has equal access to rights, without favoritism or bias.
Types of Human Rights
1. Civil and Political Rights are rights that protect individual freedom and give people the
power to participate in the political and public life of their country.
They are often called "first-generation rights" and are essential for a free and fair
society.
o Right to life
o Freedom of speech
o Right to vote
o Fair trial
o
2. Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR) are rights that guarantee every person
can live with dignity and basic needs. These rights help people live a comfortable life
and develop fully in society. They are also known as second-generation rights.
o Right to work
o Right to education
o Right to health care
o Right to adequate standard of living
3. Environmental rights are the rights that ensure people live in a safe, clean, healthy, and
sustainable environment. These rights connect human well-being with the health of the
environment.
They are often referred to as third-generation or collective rights.
o Right to clean water
o Right to a healthy environment
Fundamental Rights
Definition:
Fundamental Rights are the basic rights and freedoms that every citizen of a country is entitled
to. These are protected by the Constitution and are enforceable by the courts.
Fundamental Rights granted and guaranteed by the constitution of a country.
Purpose of Fundamental Rights:
To protect the freedom and dignity of individuals.
To ensure equality and justice in society.
To provide protection from abuse of power by the state or any authority.
To promote democratic values and rule of law.
Characteristics of Fundamental Rights:
1. Guaranteed by the Constitution
Provided under Part II, Chapter 1 of the Constitution of Pakistan (Articles 8 to 28).
2. Enforceable by courts
Citizens can go to the High Court or Supreme Court if their rights are violated.
3. Universal in nature
Available to all citizens equally without discrimination.
4. Subject to reasonable restrictions
The government can limit these rights in the interest of public safety, morality, or law
and order.
In the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part II, Chapter 1
(Articles 8 to 28). These rights are guaranteed to all citizens and are enforceable by courts.
Article 8 – Laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights to be void
Any law that violates fundamental rights will be considered invalid.
Article 9 – Security of person
No one shall be deprived of life or personal liberty except according to law.
Article 10 – Safeguards as to arrest and detention
Everyone has the right to be informed of the reason for arrest and to consult a lawyer.
Article 10-A – Right to fair trial
Every person is entitled to a fair and public trial by an impartial court.
Article 11 – Prohibition of slavery, forced labor, and child labor
Slavery and forced labor are banned. Children under the age of 14 cannot be employed in
hazardous work.
Article 12 – Protection against retrospective punishment
No one can be punished for an act which was not a crime at the time it was committed.
Article 13 – Protection against double punishment and self-incrimination
No person shall be tried or punished more than once for the same offense or be forced to testify
against themselves.
Article 14 – Dignity of man and privacy of home
The dignity of a person and the privacy of home are inviolable.
Article 15 – Freedom of movement
Every citizen has the right to move freely throughout Pakistan.
Article 16 – Freedom of assembly
Citizens can peacefully assemble and protest.
Article 17 – Freedom of association
People have the right to form or join political parties and associations.
Article 18 – Freedom of trade, business, or profession
Every citizen has the right to enter into any lawful profession or business.
Article 19 – Freedom of speech
Everyone has the right to express their opinion freely, subject to reasonable restrictions (e.g.,
religion, security).
Article 19-A – Right to information
Citizens have the right to access information regarding public matters.
Article 20 – Freedom of religion
Every citizen has the right to profess, practice, and propagate their religion.
Article 21 – Safeguard against taxation for religious purposes
No one shall be forced to pay taxes specifically for religious purposes.
Article 22 – Educational rights in respect of religion
No one shall be forced to receive religious instruction against their faith in educational
institutions.
Article 23 – Right to acquire, hold, and dispose of property
Every citizen has the right to own, transfer, and use property.
Article 24 – Protection of property rights
No one’s property can be taken by the state without legal reason and compensation.
Article 25 – Equality of citizens
All citizens are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law.
Article 25-A – Right to education
Free and compulsory education must be provided to children aged 5 to 16.
Article 26 – Non-discrimination in access to public places
Everyone has equal access to public places regardless of race, religion, or caste.
Article 27 – Safeguard against discrimination in services
No citizen shall be discriminated against for government jobs or services.
Article 28 – Language, script, and culture
Citizens have the right to preserve and promote their language and culture.
Importance of Fundamental Rights:
They protect individual freedom and ensure citizens live with dignity.
They help maintain social and political stability.
They support the development of a just and democratic society.