UN human rights committee reviews Pakistan's record amid 'rampant rights abuses'

The UN Human Rights Committee resumed its review of Pakistan's human rights records today, October 18, following a session that began yesterday, Amnesty International reported.

This review marks Pakistan's second evaluation under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which the country ratified in 2010. Amnesty International has emphasized the urgency of this review, citing a surge in human rights violations in recent months.

“Pakistan’s review comes at a crucial time for the country, as human rights violations and abuses remain rampant,” said Babu Ram Pant, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia.

Pant highlighted specific incidents, including two extrajudicial executions related to blasphemy, a crackdown on protests, and the implementation of the restrictive Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024.

Additionally, he noted the arbitrary detention and mass arrests of opposition leaders, a ban on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement, and ongoing harassment of human rights defenders like Mahrang Baloch.

According to Amnesty International, this review offers Pakistan an opportunity to reflect on its human rights situation and to initiate concrete measures to address ongoing concerns.

Amnesty International's submission to the committee underscored a range of human rights abuses, particularly the increasing violence linked to blasphemy laws and the use of legal provisions to suppress dissent.

Past reviews have highlighted serious issues, such as the failure to curb violence against women, enforced disappearances, and the trial of civilians in military courts, which compromise the right to a fair trial. The human rights organization stated that the current military detention of '85 individuals' from May 9, 2023, protests, alongside cases like that of Idris Khattak, remains a 'significant concern'.

Additionally, the recent passage of laws like the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, along with Pakistan's decision to deport Afghan refugees in violation of the principle of non-refoulement, casts a shadow over the country’s human rights landscape as the review unfolds.

'Military courts allow for fair trial'

Recap of October 17 session

During the initial session on October 17, committee members highlighted several critical issues.

They pointed out the government's failure to address gender-based violence and protect transgender rights. Ensuring access to reproductive healthcare also remains a concern.

Additionally, the misuse of anti-terrorism laws was noted. These laws often have vague definitions, leading to arbitrary detentions and questionable custodial confessions.

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The committee raised concerns about inadequate measures to prevent torture and poor prison conditions. There has been little progress in abolishing the death penalty, with over 6,000 individuals currently on death row.

Further issues included the independence of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances.

Finally, the lack of sustainable environmental protection policies and proposed constitutional amendments were viewed as violations of the right to a fair trial.