HRCP urges end to state crackdowns

LAHORE:

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed concern over growing restrictions on freedom of expression, enforced disappearances, arrests of political activists and threats to judicial independence, calling for a review of the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments and an end to military trials of civilians.

In a statement issued at the conclusion of its 40th annual general meeting on Sunday, the HRCP said censorship, surveillance and the alleged misuse of criminal laws were undermining freedom of expression.

It also expressed concern over the 10-year prison sentences handed down to human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Chattha in Oct 2026.