Pakistan’s Deteriorating Freedom of Expression
In a disheartening continuation of a troubling legacy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration, in power since February 2024, is intensifying the repression of free expression and civil society in Pakistan. Human Rights Watch warns in its latest World Report 2025 that blasphemy-related violence, particularly against religious minorities, has surged, resulting from both governmental oppression and discriminatory legal frameworks.
Global Context of Human Rights Violations
The 546-page report, marking its 35th edition, reviews the human rights conditions in over 100 countries. Tirana Hassan, the Executive Director, reflects on the global trend of authority figures stifling dissent, with political rivals, activists, and journalists imprisoned under dubious circumstances. Amidst this backdrop, authoritarian rhetoric is gaining traction, exacerbated by armed conflicts displacing civilians and hindering access to essential humanitarian aid.
Asserting Control Through Intimidation
Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch, emphasizes that “the space for free expression and dissent in Pakistan under the Sharif government is shrinking at an alarming pace.” The Pakistani authorities have escalated restrictions on social media, cracked down on opposition parties, and detained numerous activists on arbitrary charges.
A Climate of Fear for Journalists and Activists
The repercussions of dissent are dire: journalists face relentless harassment and surveillance, stifling any criticism of the state. An atmosphere of dread permeates civil society, leading many to practice self-censorship to avoid the punitive reach of the government.
Blasphemy Laws and Targeted Violence
Compounding these issues, the government strictly enforces blasphemy laws that incite mob violence against religious minorities—tragedies that led to the deaths of at least four individuals. Targeted legal actions persist against members of the Ahmadiyya community, who are frequently prosecuted under punitive laws, further amplifying their vulnerability.
Socioeconomic Struggles Amplify Human Rights Issues
The plight of the populace deepens as soaring poverty, inflation, and unemployment erode access to fundamental rights like healthcare and adequate living standards. Austerity measures, stemming from an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, have exacerbated the struggles of low-income groups, while the government resorts to outdated laws to forcibly displace vulnerable communities.
Call for Change
To rectify this downward spiral, Human Rights Watch urges the Pakistani government to dismantle arbitrary constraints on freedom of expression and amend discriminatory laws that incite violence against religious minorities. A clarion call resonates for foreign governments to press the Sharif administration towards a genuine commitment to human rights and democratic ideals.
– PM Shehbaz Sharif’s government intensifies repression of free expression. – Blasphemy-related violence against minorities has surged. – Global trends show increasing authoritarianism and human rights violations. – Journalists face intimidation; activists arrested on dubious charges. – Socioeconomic issues deepen; low-income communities face eviction.
The current trajectory of Pakistan’s government under PM Shehbaz Sharif signals a stark regression in civil liberties and human rights. Blasphemy laws exacerbate violence against minorities while socioeconomic woes intensify the struggles of many citizens. With international advocacy and pressure, there is hope for meaningful reform committed to safeguarding fundamental freedoms and dignity for all Pakistanis.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
