CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, has urged Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to halt the ongoing harassment of activists and journalists, along with crackdowns on protests in Pakistan. Despite being in power for over two years, the Sharif-led government has failed to create a conducive environment for citizens and civil society to exercise their rights. The organization has documented instances of intimidation, harassment, and persecution of human rights defenders, including prominent figures like Asad Iqbal Butt, Imaan Zainab Mazari, and Mahrang Baloch.
Over the past two years, CIVICUS has observed a disturbing trend of targeting activists under various laws like criminal defamation, counter-terrorism, and sedition, leading to a stifling effect on activism in Pakistan. The organization expressed alarm at the systematic crackdown on Baloch and Pashtun activists who have been advocating for accountability, justice, and an end to enforced disappearances. Josef Benedict, Asia researcher for CIVICUS, emphasized the need for the Pakistani government to cease its repression of activists and safeguard their rights to work without fear or interference.
CIVICUS highlighted that the actions taken by Pakistani authorities are not in line with the country’s human rights commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The organization also raised concerns about the arrest, harassment, and attacks on journalists such as Imran Riaz Khan, Matiullah Jan, and Hamid Mir. It pointed out the increasing digital restrictions imposed through laws like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to target online activists and restrict freedom of expression.
The alliance criticized the Pakistani government for using restrictive laws to suppress the right to peaceful assembly, resulting in the prolonged detention of protesters, activists, human rights defenders, and political opponents. Benedict stressed the importance of revising or repealing such laws to ensure compliance with international human rights standards and to hold perpetrators accountable for any excessive use of force. The growing repression by Pakistani authorities has raised concerns among rights advocates and organizations.
