Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Condemns Government Repression

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), a leading civil rights organization, has expressed grave concerns over increasing government repression, which it claims jeopardizes its ability to advocate for human rights in the country. The HRCP has been at the forefront of civil rights advocacy since its inception in 1987.

In a recent statement, the HRCP reported facing significant obstacles due to perceived intimidation and harassment from government authorities. The organization highlighted a series of arbitrary actions that have adversely affected its operational capacity, including the sealing of its Lahore office, the freezing of its bank accounts under dubious claims of commercial activities, and disruptions to its electricity supply.

Harris Khalique, the HRCP's secretary-general, described the current climate as one of unprecedented pressure, where officials have obstructed events across various cities and staff members have received threats aimed at discouraging discussions on sensitive subjects.

The commission, co-founded by notable figures such as the late Asma Jahangir and former Supreme Court Justice Dorab Patel, has long served as a credible advocate for civil liberties, both domestically and internationally. Despite government denials of pressure, the HRCP has voiced concerns regarding the shrinking space for human rights advocacy in Pakistan.

The deteriorating security situation, marked by frequent militant attacks, has led to heightened tensions within the country. The security forces are currently engaged in ongoing conflicts with Baloch separatists, and the political landscape remains fraught with challenges, particularly for opposition parties like Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which was barred from participating in the 2024 election.

In response to the HRCP's allegations, Talal Chaudhry, the state minister of interior, asserted that the government is merely implementing standard operating procedures to address security concerns and that there are no restrictions on freedom of expression. However, HRCP council member Hina Jilani contested this claim, noting that the government has been employing tactics to curb the organization's activities through bureaucratic hurdles.

Jilani provided specific examples where the government obstructed HRCP events, including community outreach initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan and discussions on human rights issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. She emphasized that these actions pose a significant threat to the autonomy of the HRCP and to the overall human rights landscape in Pakistan.

The situation in Pakistan remains dire, with reports from organizations like Amnesty International indicating a trend of authoritarianism and inadequate judicial protections for citizens. The authorities have been accused of manipulating laws pertaining to defamation and hate speech to suppress dissent, particularly targeting opposition members after widespread protests in May 2023.

As a result, civil liberties such as freedom of the press and assembly have been severely restricted, leading to numerous cases of enforced disappearances affecting journalists, activists, and political opponents.

Despite these challenges, the HRCP remains committed to its mission. Khalique reaffirmed the organization's dedication to advocating for the rights of all Pakistani citizens, emphasizing its role as a neutral and evidence-based entity that seeks to contribute positively to society. The HRCP hopes for better cooperation with the government in the future, maintaining that it is not an adversary but a critical partner in fostering a healthy civil society.