Pakistan’s human rights crisis has transcended borders, with critics facing targeting in regions like Europe, North America, and Africa. Journalists, activists, and former officials in exile are encountering intimidation and violence even outside Pakistan. This phenomenon, known as transnational repression, is a growing concern, with Pakistan being highlighted as a significant practitioner.
The reach of Pakistan’s transnational repression tactics is becoming more evident, as incidents like the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya in 2022 and the acid attack on former government advisor Shahzad Akbar in the UK in 2023 underscore the lack of safety for dissenters abroad. The pressure extends to various individuals critical of the Pakistani military regime, including filmmakers, journalists, and political commentators, who face threats and surveillance in different parts of the world.
Reports indicate that dissidents and their families are being targeted, with loved ones in Pakistan often bearing the consequences of their activism abroad. This strategy of using family members as leverage to enforce silence has become a common tactic, with UK counter-terrorism police noting a pattern in attacks and threats against Pakistani dissidents.
Human rights organizations have long documented Pakistan’s transnational repression tactics, including physical assaults, abductions, and forced returns. The use of counterterrorism laws to justify enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions has drawn criticism from international bodies like Freedom House and Human Rights Watch. The normalisation of repression, facilitated by digital surveillance and censorship tools, has raised concerns about the systematic nature of these actions.
Victims of Pakistan’s repression are gaining attention at the political level in other countries, with hearings and discussions being held to address the issue. The US and UK, among others, have expressed concerns over threats against Pakistani dissidents and have called for measures to protect them from foreign intimidation. The global community is increasingly acknowledging and responding to the challenges posed by Pakistan’s transnational repression tactics.
