In the recently published “Freedom in the World 2025” report by Freedom House, Pakistan’s status remains classified as “Partly Free,” with a notable decline of 10 points over the past decade. This regression places Pakistan among the countries experiencing the most significant downturns in political rights and civil liberties. Minister for Law, Justice, and Human Rights, Azam Nazeer Tarar, has defended Pakistan’s human rights record, emphasizing the enactment of over 70 human rights-related laws in the past decade, including the 26th Amendment, which recognizes a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a fundamental right. However, these legislative measures appear insufficient in addressing the systemic issues undermining political freedoms and free speech in the country.
Yana Gorokhovskaia, co-author of the Freedom House report, highlighted that 2024 marked the 19th consecutive year of global freedom decline, with the year being particularly volatile due to the high number of elections. She noted, “The big picture is that this was another year of the same trajectory of a global decline in freedom, but because of all the elections, it was more dynamic than previous years.” This statement underscores the complex interplay between electoral processes and the erosion of democratic norms, a dynamic evident in Pakistan’s political landscape.
In Pakistan, while elections are conducted under a competitive multiparty system, the military’s pervasive influence over government formation and policies significantly undermines the authenticity of democratic processes. This influence extends to the intimidation of the media and impunity for extralegal actions, creating an environment where civil liberties are selectively restricted. The legislative advancements cited by Minister Tarar, such as the 26th Amendment, often serve as superficial remedies that fail to address these deep-seated issues.
Comparatively, neighboring countries present a mixed picture. Afghanistan is classified as “Not Free,” grappling with severe human rights concerns, including restrictions on media and freedom of expression, arbitrary detentions, and extrajudicial executions. The Taliban’s resurgence has exacerbated these issues, leading to a near-total collapse of political rights and civil liberties. In contrast, Bhutan has achieved the distinction of being the only South Asian country classified as “Free,” reflecting its successful consolidation of democratic practices and respect for civil liberties. India, while maintaining a “Free” status, has faced criticism for actions that may impinge upon free speech and political rights, such as internet shutdowns and suppression of dissenting voices. Iran remains “Not Free,” with tight governmental control over media and harsh penalties for dissent, creating an atmosphere of fear and suppression. Bangladesh, like Pakistan, is rated as “Partly Free,” contending with issues such as arbitrary killings, enforced disappearances, and torture. Notably, under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid, Bangladesh experienced significant human rights violations and suppression of free speech, including crackdowns on political opponents and restrictions on media freedom.
The Freedom House report also highlights countries with the most substantial 10-year declines in freedom. Nicaragua experienced a 40-point decline, Tunisia 35 points, and El Salvador 28 points. These nations have witnessed significant erosions in democratic norms, often characterized by the concentration of power, suppression of dissent, and undermining of judicial independence. Pakistan’s 10-point decline, while less severe, positions it precariously on this spectrum of democratic erosion.
Minister Tarar’s emphasis on legislative achievements, such as the 26th Amendment, appears to be an attempt to deflect criticism without addressing the core issues undermining political rights and free speech. The enactment of laws recognizing environmental rights, while important, does little to mitigate the military’s overreach, censorship of the press, and persecution of political opponents. These systemic issues require comprehensive reforms that transcend legislative tokenism.
A critical analysis of Pakistan’s political landscape reveals a pattern of superficial reforms that fail to address the root causes of democratic decline. The military’s entrenched role in politics, coupled with a judiciary that often lacks independence, creates an environment where political rights are compromised. Free speech is curtailed through stringent censorship laws and the intimidation of journalists, leading to a media landscape fraught with self-censorship and fear.
In comparison to previous regimes, the current administration’s approach to human rights appears more focused on international perception than substantive change. While prior governments also grappled with military influence and restrictions on free speech, the current regime’s reliance on legislative measures as a facade for progress is particularly pronounced. This strategy not only undermines genuine democratic development but also erodes public trust in governmental institutions.
To arrest this decline, Pakistan must undertake a multifaceted approach that includes:
- Ensuring Judicial Independence: Reforms are needed to insulate the judiciary from political and military pressures, allowing for impartial adjudication of cases, especially those involving political dissent.
- Protecting Press Freedom: The government should repeal draconian laws that stifle journalistic expression and instead foster a media environment where diverse viewpoints can flourish without fear of retribution.
- Limiting Military Influence: Establishing clear boundaries between military and civilian spheres is crucial for the restoration of true democratic governance. This includes ensuring that elected representatives, not military officials, dictate policy directions.
- Implementing Human Rights Laws: Moving beyond mere enactment, there must be a concerted effort to enforce human rights legislation effectively, with mechanisms in place to monitor compliance and address violations promptly.
- Fostering Political Pluralism: Encouraging the development of a vibrant civil society and political opposition can provide necessary checks and balances, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to national discourse.
In conclusion, while legislative advancements like the 26th Amendment are steps in the right direction, they are insufficient in the absence of genuine political will to implement comprehensive reforms. Pakistan’s decline in political rights and civil liberties reflects systemic issues that cannot be remedied through superficial legislative measures alone. A holistic approach that addresses military influence, ensures judicial independence, protects press freedom, and fosters political pluralism is essential for reversing the current trajectory and promoting a truly democratic society.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
