Rights at risk

ACROSS the world, rights are shrinking. Amnesty International’s latest report notes a pattern that cuts across regions: grave crimes under international law in active conflicts, the steady erosion of accountability, and the growing use of state power to silence dissent. From Gaza and Ukraine to Sudan and Myanmar, atrocities persist while the mechanisms meant to check them — including international courts — face political pressure and neglect. Beyond conflict zones, governments are relying on surveillance, cyber laws and security legislation to curb expression and assembly. Refugees and migrants face mass deportations and discriminatory policies. Women and minorities face violence and legal exclusion. At the same time, climate inaction and shrinking development support are deepening inequalities. Amnesty’s recommendations, from strengthening international accountability and regulating surveillance technologies to protecting refugees and accelerating climate action, are therefore urgent.

Pakistan’s situation reflects many of these trends. While inflation fell, nearly 44.7pc of the population lives below the poverty line. IMF-linked fiscal constraints have reduced development spending, with cuts to health and education even as defence allocations have increased. Climate shocks, including floods and extreme heat, have compounded economic vulnerability. The report is particularly critical of the state of civil liberties. Amendments to Peca and anti-terror laws have expanded censorship and detention powers, with journalists, activists and opposition figures facing arrests and prosecutions. It also points to the use of economic pressure to influence media coverage, including the selective withdrawal of state advertisements from outlets such as our own in response to critical reporting. This shows that control is exercised not only through law but also financial leverage. Enforced disappearances remain a serious concern, protests have been met with force and curbs on movement have targeted dissenters. Meanwhile, persecution of minorities, misuse of blasphemy laws, violence against women and the forced return of Afghan refugees underscore the state’s failure in protecting vulnerable groups. The path forward is clear, even if politically difficult. Pakistan must reform repressive laws, criminalise enforced disappearances, safeguard media independence and uphold the rights of minorities and refugees. It must also restore investment in social sectors and strengthen climate resilience. At its core, it is a question of priorities, and it appears rights have been set aside.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2026

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