The recent inclusion of Pakistan in the Civicus Monitor’s human rights watchlist for 2025 underscores a troubling trajectory of diminishing civic freedoms within the nation. This development is emblematic of a broader pattern of state actions aimed at suppressing dissent, targeting human rights activists, curtailing journalistic freedoms, and imposing stringent controls over digital spaces.
According to Civicus, Pakistan joins the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Serbia, Italy, and the United States in this year’s watchlist, which “lists countries experiencing rapid declines in civic freedoms.” The report highlights Pakistan’s status as “repressed,” citing the criminalization of activists, suppression of opposition and minority protests, and restrictions on digital spaces. Civicus asserts that these actions “are inconsistent with Pakistan’s international human rights obligations” and “go against the recommendations made by the UN Human Rights Committee.”
A salient aspect of this repression is the arbitrary targeting of human rights defenders. Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), has been at the forefront of peaceful advocacy against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. Her activism, rooted in personal loss with the abductions of her father and brother, has galvanized thousands in non-violent resistance. Despite her peaceful approach, Dr. Baloch faces multiple criminal charges, including under the Anti-Terrorism Act, for organizing sit-ins and attending gatherings. In a blatant attempt to stifle her voice on international platforms, authorities barred her from traveling to New York to attend a TIME100 Next event, citing dubious reasons and confiscating her passport.
Similarly, human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir has been ensnared in the state’s punitive measures. Known for her unwavering support for victims of violence and her advocacy for persecuted religious and ethnic communities, Mazari-Hazir has been targeted on terrorism charges. These actions against her are widely perceived as a calculated move to silence legal redress and suppress voices challenging systemic injustices.
The state’s intolerance extends to organized movements advocating for minority rights. In October 2024, the government invoked the Anti-Terrorism Act to ban the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), a group that had mobilized nationwide against human rights violations. This ban led to violent confrontations; notably, in Peshawar, clashes between police and PTM supporters resulted in the deaths of three protesters. The government’s narrative accuses PTM of supporting insurgent activities, a claim the movement staunchly denies, asserting their commitment to peaceful advocacy.
Journalistic freedom, a cornerstone of any democratic society, has been severely undermined in Pakistan. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) has been weaponized to target journalists, accusing them of disseminating ‘false narratives against state institutions.’ In January 2025, amendments to PECA further tightened governmental control over online speech, exacerbating the climate of fear among media professionals. The arbitrary application of this law has led to self-censorship, depriving the public of critical information and diverse perspectives.
The digital realm, once a bastion for free expression, has not been spared from state overreach. Authorities have resorted to blocking internet and mobile phone services ahead of protests, effectively stifling mobilization and communication among dissenting voices. Notably, the social media platform X has been inaccessible in Pakistan since February 2024, reflecting the regime’s apprehension towards unregulated digital discourse.
These domestic actions have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders have consistently criticized Pakistan’s deteriorating human rights record. In October 2024, the UN Human Rights Committee reviewed Pakistan’s adherence to civil and political rights, urging the nation to implement recommendations aimed at safeguarding civic freedoms. The committee’s observations highlight a disconcerting disconnect between Pakistan’s international commitments and its domestic practices.
The cumulative effect of these repressive measures is a society where fear and conformity are enforced, and dissent is met with punitive action. The arbitrary targeting of activists like Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir sends a chilling message to civil society: that advocacy and the pursuit of justice are liabilities in Pakistan’s current political climate.
The stifling of opposition and minority protests further entrenches systemic discrimination and marginalization. The ban on PTM and the violent suppression of its supporters exemplify the state’s unwillingness to engage with legitimate grievances through dialogue. Instead, the preference for coercive measures exacerbates tensions and undermines social cohesion.
The assault on journalistic freedom through draconian laws like PECA erodes the very foundation of accountability. A free press serves as a watchdog against abuses of power; silencing it enables corruption and maladministration to flourish unchecked. Journalists operating under the constant threat of legal repercussions are less likely to pursue investigative reporting, depriving the public of essential insights into governance and policy.
The restrictions imposed on digital spaces reflect a broader strategy to control narratives and suppress collective action. In an era where digital platforms are integral to mobilization and awareness, their censorship signifies a deliberate effort to isolate dissenting voices and prevent the formation of unified opposition.
The international community’s response, while vocal, has yet to translate into substantive change within Pakistan. The persistence of repressive policies despite external criticism suggests a need for more robust engagement strategies. This could include diplomatic pressure, conditional aid, and support for local civil society organizations striving to uphold human
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
