Pakistan’s Stifling of Free Expression
On January 17, Human Rights Watch (HRW) unveiled the harrowing details of Pakistan’s escalating assault on free speech under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration, which began in February 2024. The comprehensive World Report 2025 reveals a pattern of oppression aimed at silencing dissent and undermining civil society, echoing tactics from previous governments.
Rising Violence Against Religious Minorities
Blasphemy-related violence surged in 2024 as targeted persecution and discriminatory legislations intensified against religious minorities. HRW underscored that government actions play a key role in fostering an environment ripe for violence, where mob attacks claiming lives are alarmingly frequent, particularly against the Ahmadiyya community.
Widespread Repression and Human Rights Abuses
The 546-page report reviews human rights abuses across more than 100 nations. “The space for free expression and dissent in Pakistan… is shrinking at an alarming pace,” remarked Patricia Gossman from HRW, highlighting the ongoing cycle of repression faced by political opponents and journalists in Pakistan, who now live under threats of violence and censorship.
Media Under Siege
Throughout 2024, authorities blurred the lines of free speech by intermittently blocking social media platforms and detaining hundreds of activists, patrolling the channels of dissent with an iron grip. Journalists who dared to voice opposition faced intimidation and harassment, creating an atmosphere of fear where self-censorship became a survival mechanism.
The Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Amidst this repression, socio-economic issues compounded the plight of millions. Soaring poverty, inflation, and unemployment crippled access to essential rights and services. Austerity measures driven by an IMF program only exacerbated these challenges, while authorities exploited laws to displace vulnerable low-income populations in service of industrial development, amplifying their suffering.
– HRW’s World Report 2025 condemns Pakistan’s crackdown on free expression. – Blasphemy violence against minorities rose in 2024. – Political repression targets activists, journalists, and minorities. – Socioeconomic hardships worsen for millions amid austerity measures. – Authorities exploit laws to displace low-income communities.
The landscape of human rights in Pakistan is deteriorating under PM Shehbaz Sharif, as governmental actions tighten the noose on free expression and escalate violence against minorities. The HRW report lays bare the repercussions of political repression and socioeconomic challenges, painting a dire picture of a nation where fear reigns and basic rights are under siege.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
