LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed grave concern over what it describes as an intensifying campaign to undermine its work, warning that the space for human rights advocacy in the country is shrinking alarmingly.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the independent rights watchdog said it has faced “arbitrary, illegal, and unjustified actions” in recent months that have hampered its ability to fulfill its mandate. HRCP underscored that its work is rooted in the rights guaranteed by Pakistan’s Constitution and the country’s international commitments.
HRCP reported that individuals claiming to represent the security apparatus have obstructed its events by telling venues or staff that a no-objection certificate (NOC) was required for indoor meetings, despite there being no such legal requirement.
Two recent incidents were highlighted: a high-level consultation in Islamabad on the human rights impact of militancy and terrorism, and a roundtable in Gilgit on local communities’ rights to natural resources. According to HRCP, both events had secured confirmations from relevant legislators and government departments.
The commission also described an unprecedented level of harassment directed at its members and staff nationwide, including the first-ever instance of its chairperson being taken in for police questioning in Karachi.
Other incidents cited include an attempt to seal its Lahore office in 2024, the removal of its electricity meter, and a commercial bank’s refusal to release HRCP’s funds while citing a purported State Bank of Pakistan directive, a directive that, HRCP says, the central bank formally denied existed when asked by a court.
HRCP Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt in the statement urged the authorities to uphold fundamental freedoms of association, assembly, and expression, and to guarantee that human rights defenders can operate without fear of reprisal or undue interference.
“Civil society organizations such as HRCP are essential if Pakistan is to develop into a state that truly protects the rights of all its citizens,” Butt said.
“Human rights work is critical to building a more tolerant and inclusive society, something Pakistan urgently needs.”