Title:

Research By:

Yousaf

Supervisor:

Sir Dr. Shahid hussian Bukhari

Roll No:

Class:BS political Science

Subject:Research Report

Department:Political Science

Date: May,24, 2025

City, Country: Multan, Pakistan

Institution: Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan

Abstract

Human rights violations in Pakistan persist despite constitutional guarantees, creating a

gap between legal frameworks and enforcement. This study examines the effectiveness of
Pakistan’s human rights protections, focusing on systemic issues such as enforced
disappearances, press freedom restrictions, and discrimination against minorities and
women. Using a mixed-method approach (qualitative literature review and quantitative
survey data), the research reveals that 53.5% of respondents witnessed human rights
violations in the past five years, with significant disparities across provinces (e.g., 46.5%
in Balochistan reported security threats). Key findings highlight low public awareness
(only 29.5% knew their legal rights) and ineffective enforcement (43.2% believed laws
were not upheld). The study underscores the need for institutional reforms, public
awareness campaigns, and accountability mechanisms to bridge the gap between
constitutional promises and ground realities.

Chapter 1

1. Introduction
Introduction

There are some basic rights that are vital for the growth of an individual’s qualities so
that he can compete with his fellow beings in every field of life. Human rights are
essential for progress and creating a peaceful society. Human rights are a major concern
these days. They are violated world-wide. Millions of people are denied their basic rights,
e.g., freedom, justice, equality, etc. Human rights have been defined under the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in these words: “Human rights are rights inherent
to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or
any other status.” This declaration was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948,
and for the first time, human rights started to be protected universally. Pakistan was one
of those countries that had voted in favor of the human rights declaration. As the
forefather of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam was one of the greatest supporters of human rights.
On August 11, 1947, during his speech at the First Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, he
said, “You are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or to any
other places of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste, or
creed—that has nothing to do with the business of the state” (National Assembly of
Pakistan). Pakistan has introduced all fundamental rights into its constitution. It had
adopted the British bureaucratic system, which had limited democratic values and limited
liberty for people. It set the stage for human rights issues in Pakistan. Since
independence, it has grappled with social, economic, and political instability. It’s political
system has been shifted from democracy to dictatorship like a pendulum. The military
regime is evident with political instability, and the fundamental rights of the people have
been usurped. For example, political parties and social media have been banned, there is
no concept of freedom of speech, people have disappeared, etc. Bangladesh gained
independence in 1971 due to the violation of Bengali people’s human rights. Similarly,
the introduction of Islamicization policies (Noor Ullah Khan 2018) in 1980 has hardly
affected the rights of minorities. Furthermore, the Hadood Ordinance of 1979 has further
increased discrimination against women and minorities (Asian Human Rights
commission). In the past, a large number of military operations have been conducted in
which human rights have been violated, for example, the 1983 military operation in
Sindh. Blasphemy law has been used in Pakistan to target religious minorities, and the
government has failed to protect the victims or hold violators accountable.
Currently, the situation of human rights in Pakistan is worse. There are a number of
people who have been victims of blasphemy. In Baluchistan, people have been
disappearing. According to the monthly report of PAANK, 2 people have been
extrajudicial killed and 24 have been enforced disappeared in March 2024. Baloch people
do not have basic rights and economic resources. The government is unable to air the
grievances of its citizens, e.g., the case of Mahrang Baloch. People are unable to get fair
and free justice. Judges are unable to make decisions according to the dictates of their
conscience, as has been clearly portrayed in the recent event in which six high court
judges wrote an open letter to Chief Justice Qazi Isa, accusing the agency of intimidating
and coercing them over ‘politically consequential’ cases( Abid Hussain, 2024). People
are living hand in hand, and the government is unable to give them a standard of living.
According to the World Bank, using the Cost of Basic Needs (CBN) poverty line, 21.9%
of Pakistan’s population lived below the national poverty line in 2018-19. They do not
have enough money to meet the educational expenses of their children, and it has
deprived them of education, which is their basic right. Eight percent of Pakistan’s
workforce is unemployed and has begun to engage in criminal activity. Some people do
not feel safe in their daily lives, and they do not freely express their political Ideas,
especially journalists. The year 2023 is not easy for journalists. Reporters Without
Borders (RSF) ranked Pakistan as one of the world’s deadliest countries for journalists
owing to its high rate of impunity for the killers of journalists. Similarly, the Committee
to Protect Journalists (CPJ) ranked Pakistan 11th on its 2023 Global Impunity Index,
which assesses countries with the worst records on prosecuting journalists. The ranking
takes into account the killing of eight journalists in Pakistan.
There are some steps to take to overcome this alarming issue. First and foremost, the
government should have to control blasphemy and hold the violator accountable.
Secondly, provide a free environment for journalists to express their views. Thirdly, the
government should take steps to overcome the gender gap and ensure education for every
citizen, especially women. Fourthly, the government should air the grievances of the
people. Fifthly, the government should actively investigate the missing persons. Last but
not least, the government should have to give jobs to its citizens and try to improve their
standard of living.

2. Statement of the Problem

Despite constitutional protections, human rights in Pakistan continue to be violated
systematically. The persistent gap between the legal framework and real-life enforcement
creates a paradox that questions the efficacy of the laws. Disappearances, restrictions on
press freedom, and discrimination against minorities remain unchecked, raising serious
concerns about political will, institutional capacity, and public awareness. This research
explores why these rights, though written into law, are not guaranteed in daily life.
3. Significance of the Problem
Human rights are central to the dignity of individuals and the integrity of society. In
Pakistan, their systematic violation weakens the social contract and undermines national
unity. This research is significant as it seeks to understand the root causes of these
violations and the role of public institutions in either perpetuating or preventing them. It
also identifies the need for public awareness, policy reform, and enforcement
mechanisms that align with the constitutional vision.

4. Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effectiveness of legal and institutional frameworks in protecting
human rights in Pakistan.
2. To evaluate public awareness regarding their basic rights.
3. To investigate the relationship between enforcement failure and rights violations.
4. To explore regional and gender-based disparities in access to human rights.
5. To suggest evidence-based recommendations for enhancing enforcement and
awareness.

5. Literature Review
(Ahmed 2021) says that the idea of essential human rights can be followed back to the
Common law savants, for example, “Locke and Rousseau” who protected the human
rights by giving ‘Social Contract’ theory. Human Rights can be defined as those basic
principles which are necessary to lead a distinction and impressiveness life as human
beings. Human rights are the basis of liberty, integrity and peace. Human rights are those
definite moral assurances that people of all nation and civilization society apparently
entitled just for the reason of their humanity. Similarly, Human rights are universal rights
of all human beings, regardless of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other
opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status (WHO)
( Amjad 2007) says that advancement in technology has created a challenge for state
to ensure security of life liberty and other fundamental rights of its citizens. Technology
is shaping the world. Pakistan has tried to protect its citizens rights by incorporating them
in it’s Constitution (1973). Pakistan is a member of international community and also
implement Human Rights Conventions and covenants into it’s legal system. The
constitution of Pakistan contains more than 75 percent of the provisions of International
Human Rights covenants. Pakistan has accepted the obligations to deference human
rights, to shield the exercise of human rights violation, and enforce human individual
rights i.e. adopt measures to provide an environment where human rights fully exercised.
The writer also stated that Pakistan has signed ICESCR and all its provisions have been
legally banded on Pakistan.
( Isa, 2020) Freedom of expression and religion are fundamental rights of human
being. Baseer Naveed writes that freedom of expression does not exist in Pakistan. He
further says that by laying so sovereignty with Allah, and adopting Islamic republic of
Pakistan as county’s name. It had drawn a line between Muslims and non-Muslims. He
further states that the founder of Pakistan said in his speech that everyone is allowed to
go to their worship place in this state of Pakistan. Moreover, by adding Muslim definition
in construction Pakistan has given a license to the fundamentalists to declare who are
Muslim and non-Muslim. Every year a lot of people become the victim of blasphemy.
( Naveed,2019) Free press is a backbone of democracy. It serves both as
conscience and as a mirror. Justice Qazi Faez Isa writes that in totalitarian regimes press
has been suppressed. Pakistan has made many constitutional efforts to sure the freedom
of press. In 18th amendment add 19A article that states “the right to have access to
information in all matters of public importance to its citizens”. Similarly Provincial
assembles also enact laws for ensuring to provide information to its citizens i.e. the right
of access to information act 2017, the Baluchistan freedom of information act 2005,
Sindh transparency and right to information act 2016, KPK right to information act 2013,
Punjab transparency and right to information act 2013. Chief Justice Evans Hughes of
US Supreme court said 90 years ago “ The administration of government has become
more complex, the opportunities for malfeasance and corruption have multiplied, crime
has grown to most serious proportions, and the danger of its protection by unfaithful
officials and of the impairment of the fundamental security of life and property by
criminal alliances and official neglect, emphasizes the primary need of a vigilant and
courageous Press informed citizens including journalists ”.
On the other hand Sidra Agha point out that Pakistan has been recognized as a
risky place for journalistic practices. Article 19 and 19A deal with speech and right to
information no specific laws are governing the material posted and obtained from
internet. It is addressed to the PTA act and ordinance about information released on
digital media. Permission of government is imperative for starting their own electronic
media. It is not like Europe or USA where anyone can make their own radio or TV
channel. She further said that Pakistani culture has become intellectually dishonest
socially irrational and spiritually prejudiced.
( Rubeena Zakar ,2015) said that domestic violence is another form of violation of
human rights. In Pakistan rural women are more prone to domestic violence as compare
to urban women. About 63 percent population lives in rural areas. A survey in rural areas
of Pakistan shows that 46.5 percent girls got marriage when they are 9 year old and 52.7
percent has more than three children. Psychological violence is most common among
them. She further states that main causes of domestic violence are low income, women
low education early marriage and patriarchal society. By educating and making strong
socio-economic position of women we can minimize this grave problem. Domestic
violence is not only social issue but also a grave public health concern and human right
violation.
Oskar N.T. Thomas & James Ron write that discrimination and violations of
social and economic rights function as underlying causes of conflict, creating the deep
grievances and group identities that may, under some circumstances, motivate collective
violence. Violations of civil and political rights, by contrast, are more clearly identifiable
as direct conflict triggers. Abuse of personal integrity rights is associated with escalation,
and intermediately repressive regimes appear to be most at risk. Denial of political
participation rights is associated with internal conflict because full democracies
experience less conflict. Yet democratization itself is dangerous, since regime transition
is also a major conflict risk factor.

6. Research Questions
I have two research questions that’s answers I have tried to find out. Is government
effectively enforce laws relating to human rights? And is lack of awareness about their
rights less to the violation of human rights?
7. Hypothesis
While Pakistan’s constitution contains fundamental rights, ineffective enforcement
mechanisms and lack of awareness about their rights contribute to widespread human
rights violations.

8. Research Methodology
Qualitative method helps researcher to understand the processes by providing detailed
information about their context, and focusing the voices of the informants (Cohen, et al.,
2011; Corbin & Strauss, 2008; Maxwell, 2012; Rahman, 2016). However, qualitative
research method has some limitations including smaller sample size, issue of
generalizability and consumption of time (Atieno, 2009; Cumming & Finch, 2011; Harry
& Lipsky, 2014; Li, et al., 2011). Quantitative method has the potential to provide
measurable evidence, results generalization, reaching larger sample in less time and to
provide insight into a range of experiences (Ary, et al., 2013; Fidalgo, et al., 2014;
Rahman, 2016). Mixed method research is used to benefit from the strengths of both
qualitative and quantitative methods and overcome their shortcomings.
For my research I have to use mixed method of research for collecting data (both
quantitative and qualitative). I have to read literature that is related to my topic and I
have to conduct online survey across Pakistan. In my survey I have to use close ended
questions for gathering data.

Using this mixed-method approach simultaneously is believed to enhance the credibility

of the research findings by triangulating information from both methods. (Hesse-Biber &
Leavy, 2010).

Chapter 2
8.1 Data
I have conducted online survey and got 50 responses in which 79.5% were male and
20.5% were female. 95.5% of respondent were students. 63.6% people feel secure in their
daily life. 15.9% people always can express their social and political views easily 38.6%
people only can express their view freely sometime. Similarly 13.6% people can express
their views rarely and 15.9% can never express their view without fear. Furthermore,
70.5% people have easily access to basic necessities of life. 29.5% people are aware
about their legal rights and 36.4% people do not know how to get help if their legal rights
has been violated. 43.2% people say that human rights laws are not effectively enforce in
their province while 25% people are not aware about it and 11.4% people do not want to
talk about it. 52.3% people said that ethnic minority in Pakistan facing discrimination and
11.4% do not sure about it. 41.9% feel that religious minority are facing discrimination
and 14% are not aware about it. 58.1% people believe that women have not rights and
opportunities to men and 14% people are not sure about this issue. 54.5% people say that
local government is not active in protecting human rights and 20.5% people are not sure
about it. In the last 5 years 53.5% people are witnessed and experienced human rights
violation and 16.3% do not prefer to say about it. About 18.2% people are facing gender
discrimination 11.4% age discrimination 13.6% wealth discrimination 9.1% religious
discrimination and 40.9% are facing other type of discrimination.

It is the graph which show that in the last 5 year how many people see and face human
rights violation. 13% people do not face and see the human rights violation, 17.4%
people see one time, 17.4% see two time, 13% see three time, 8.7% see four times, 8.7%
see five time, 4.3% see 6to 7% time, 4.3% see 8 to 10 time and 13% people do not prefer
to talk about it.
In Punjab, 9.3% people’s life is in threat 9.3% people’s liberty rights has been
violating, 18.6% people do not have freedom of speech, 7% are facing religious
discrimination, 23.3% facing security thread and 9.3% do not have access to education.
In KPK 50% people are facing security threat, 11.9% have life thread and 9.5%
people do not have access to work.
 In Balochistan,46.5% people are facing security thread, 11.6% facing life thread,
11.6% do not have access to education and 9.3% do not have access to work.

8.2 Analysis
The study finds a disturbing trend: over half (53.5%) of respondents have witnessed
human rights breaches in the previous five years. This is consistent with data from
specific provinces, highlighting issues like as security threats (Punjab: 23.3%, KPK:
50%, Balochistan: 46.5%), restrictions on free speech (Punjab: 18.6%), and limited
access to education. This data indicates a high prevalence of human rights abuses across
multiple domains. Only 29.5% of the respondents were aware of their legal rights. This
information gap represents a significant hurdle. Individuals who are unaware of their
rights are less inclined to exercise them, limiting effective enforcement. Studies by the
Independent Commission of Human Rights Pakistan (ICHRP) [invalid URL removed]
back up this claim, citing a lack of public awareness campaigns on fundamental rights. A
significant percentage (43.2%) thought that human rights legislation are not adequately
implemented. This impression raises the possibility of a discrepancy between the
application of the law and its framework. The survey finds that discrimination against
people on the basis of money (13.6%), age (11.4%), gender (58.1%), ethnicity (52.3%),
and religion (41.9%) is pervasive. Similar tendencies are highlighted by research
conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), notably with regard to gender
imbalance in access to education and employment opportunities. Notably, 13% of
respondents said they would rather not talk about seeing human rights breaches. This
implies a fear-based environment that prevents people from speaking up, maybe because
they are afraid of being punished. The hypothesis is robustly supported by the
examination of survey data. Although fundamental rights are guaranteed under Pakistan’s
constitution, there is a gap between legal safeguards and actual rights due to ignorance
and possibly ineffective enforcement procedures.

Chapter 3: findings and recommendations

Findings

Prevalence of Violations:

53.5% witnessed/experienced rights abuses in 5 years.

Security threats dominated in KPK (50%) and Balochistan (46.5%).

Awareness Gap:

Only 29.5% knew their legal rights; 36.4% lacked knowledge of redressal mechanisms.

Discrimination:

Ethnic (52.3%), religious (41.9%), and gender-based (58.1% women denied equal
opportunities).

Enforcement Failures:

43.2% reported ineffective law enforcement; 54.5% deemed local governments inactive.

Recommendations

Institutional Reforms:

Strengthen judiciary independence (e.g., address judicial coercion).

Investigate enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Public Awareness:

Nationwide campaigns on constitutional rights and legal recourse.

Legal Accountability:
Repeal/reform discriminatory laws (e.g., blasphemy, Hudood Ordinances).

Protect journalists and minorities through policy interventions.

Economic Measures:

Poverty alleviation programs to address root causes of inequality.

Provincial Focus:

Targeted policies for conflict-prone regions (Balochistan, KPK).

9. Limitations / Delimitations
The research is limited by its reliance on digital survey responses, which may not
represent individuals without internet access, especially from rural areas. The sample size
restricts the study’s generalizability. Moreover, time and resource constraints limited in-
person interviews. The research is delimited to human rights issues in Pakistan only and
does not compare conditions internationally, focusing instead on internal legal and
institutional dynamics.

10. Organisation of Chapters

Chapter 1: Introduction – Presents the background and context of human rights in
Pakistan.
Chapter 2: Historical Evolution of the Research Topic – Traces the development of
human rights policies and violations from independence to present.
Chapter 3: Present/Contemporary Content – Highlights current challenges, including
freedom of speech, gender and religious discrimination, and disappearances.
Chapter 4: Primary Data Collected and Analysis/Discussion – Analyzes survey data to
evaluate the public’s perspective on human rights.
Chapter 5: Findings/Future/Recommendations – Discusses key findings and proposes
actionable policy recommendations.
Chapter 6: Conclusion – Summarizes the entire research and reflects on implications for
future reforms.

Chapter 4 ,

Conclusion

Human rights violations in Pakistan remain a pressing issue despite constitutional

guarantees and international commitments. The study highlights a significant gap
between legal protections and their enforcement, with systemic challenges such as
enforced disappearances, restrictions on freedom of expression, discrimination against
minorities and women, and lack of public awareness contributing to persistent abuses.

The survey data reveals alarming trends: over half of the respondents witnessed human
rights violations in the past five years, with security threats, gender discrimination, and
lack of access to justice being major concerns. Provincial disparities further exacerbate
the situation, with Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa facing heightened security risks,
while Punjab struggles with freedom of speech and religious discrimination.

The findings underscore the urgent need for institutional reforms, stronger accountability
mechanisms, and public awareness campaigns to bridge the gap between Pakistan’s
human rights framework and its implementation. Without meaningful intervention—
including judicial independence, policy reforms, and economic empowerment—the cycle
of violations will persist, undermining social cohesion and democratic progress.

Ultimately, safeguarding human rights in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach

involving government action, civil society engagement, and international oversight. Only
through sustained commitment can Pakistan ensure that its citizens enjoy the fundamental
rights enshrined in its constitution and international law.

Chapter 5
11. Bibliography

Ahmed, S. (2021). Human Rights in Pakistan: Constitutional Paradoxes. Karachi Press.

Amjad, R. (2007). Technology and Human Rights Enforcement in Pakistan. Lahore

Journal of Law.

Asian Human Rights Commission. (2020). Reports on Blasphemy Laws and Minority
Rights.

Independent Commission for Human Rights Pakistan (ICHRP). (2023). Annual Report on
Public Awareness.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF). (2023). Pakistan: Deadliest Country for Journalists.

World Bank. (2019). Poverty and Inequality in Pakistan.