HRCP concerned over shrinking civil liberties

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has released its annual report, "State of Human Rights in Pakistan 2024," raising serious concerns over shrinking civil liberties, worsening law and order, and increased pressure on the federal system.

The report states that allegations of electoral rigging during the February 2024 general elections have deepened political instability. The uncertain fate of a major political party and the controversial allocation of reserved seats further fuelled this uncertainty.

Several hastily passed laws by the new government were seen as empowering undemocratic forces. Militancy surged in 2024, with over 2,500 related deaths, mainly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan, while at least 24 individuals were lynched under blasphemy allegations.