Pakistan Studies · 10
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, simply because they are human beings. These rights have several important features that make them universal and fundamental. First, human rights are universal, meaning they apply to every human being regardless of their nationality, gender, religion, race, ethnicity, or any other status. Whether you live in Pakistan, America, or Africa, you have the same basic human rights. Second, human rights are inalienable, which means they cannot be taken away from you, except in specific circumstances according to law, such as imprisonment after a fair trial. Third, human rights are interdependent and interrelated, meaning that all rights are equally important and connected to each other. For example, the right to education is connected to the right to work, and the right to health is connected to the right to life. Fourth, human rights are indivisible, meaning that civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights are all essential and cannot be separated. Fifth, human rights are inherent, meaning they belong to individuals by virtue of being human, not granted by any government or authority. Sixth, human rights are protected by law through international treaties like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and national constitutions like Pakistan's Constitution. Seventh, human rights are non-discriminatory, applying equally to all without any distinction. Eighth, human rights create obligations on states to respect, protect, and fulfill them. This means governments must not violate rights, must prevent others from violating them, and must take positive steps to ensure everyone can enjoy their rights. Ninth, human rights are participatory, meaning they enable people to participate in decisions that affect their lives, such as through voting and free speech. Tenth, human rights are progressive, meaning they continue to evolve with society as new challenges emerge, such as digital rights and environmental rights. Examples of human rights include the right to life, freedom from torture, freedom of speech, right to education, right to healthcare, and right to a fair trial. Understanding these features helps us appreciate why human rights are so important and why we must protect them for everyone.
The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees numerous fundamental rights to its citizens, while also imposing certain duties. The rights of Pakistani citizens are enshrined in the Constitution of 1973, primarily in Articles 8 to 28. The right to security of person under Article 9 ensures that no person shall be deprived of life or liberty except in accordance with law. Article 10 provides safeguards against arbitrary arrest and detention, requiring that arrested persons be informed of the grounds of arrest and be allowed to consult a lawyer. Article 15 guarantees freedom of movement and the right to reside anywhere in Pakistan. Article 16 ensures freedom of peaceful assembly. Article 17 guarantees freedom of association, including the right to form political parties and trade unions. Article 18 ensures freedom of trade, business, and profession. Article 19 guarantees freedom of speech and expression, while Article 19A provides the right to information, allowing citizens access to public documents. Article 20 guarantees freedom of religion, allowing every citizen to profess, practice, and propagate their religion. Article 25A, added through the 18th Amendment, makes education a fundamental right, requiring the state to provide free and compulsory education to all children aged 5 to 16 years. Article 25 guarantees equality before law and prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Articles 26 and 27 prohibit discrimination in public places and employment. Article 23 and 24 protect property rights, stating that no person shall be deprived of property except by law. Article 10A guarantees the right to a fair trial. Article 28 allows citizens to preserve their culture and language.
Along with these rights, citizens have duties. Article 5 requires every citizen to be loyal to the state and obey the constitution and laws. Citizens must pay their taxes honestly, as this funds public services. They must defend the country when required, whether through military service or national support. Citizens should respect national symbols like the flag and anthem, and protect public property. They must promote national unity and harmony, respecting diversity and avoiding discrimination. Citizens should respect the rights of others, because one person's rights end where another's begin. They must participate in democratic processes by voting in elections and being informed about issues. Citizens should protect the environment and keep their neighborhoods clean. They must report crimes and corruption to the authorities. They should educate themselves and their children, because educated citizens contribute more to society. Citizens must preserve cultural heritage for future generations. They should contribute to community welfare through charity and volunteer work. Rights and duties are complementary – responsible citizenship requires balancing both. The state guarantees rights, and citizens fulfill duties, creating a harmonious society where everyone can thrive.
The state of human rights in Pakistan presents a mixed picture with both constitutional guarantees and significant challenges in implementation. On the positive side, Pakistan has a comprehensive constitution that guarantees fundamental rights, and there are institutions like the National Commission for Human Rights and the Human Rights Cell in the Supreme Court. Pakistan has also ratified several international human rights treaties. However, numerous challenges persist. First, security issues including terrorism and militancy continue to affect the right to life, with bomb blasts, targeted killings, and extremist violence claiming many lives. Second, minority rights are frequently violated, with reports of discrimination, forced conversions, and attacks on places of worship. Hindus, Christians, Ahmadis, and other minorities face social and legal challenges. Third, women's rights remain a concern, with honor killings, domestic violence, low literacy rates, and underrepresentation in politics and employment. Despite laws against honor killing, implementation remains weak. Fourth, child rights are violated through child labor, early marriages, and millions of out-of-school children, depriving them of education. Fifth, religious freedom is compromised by misuse of blasphemy laws, which are sometimes used to settle personal scores, and persecution of Ahmadis who are declared non-Muslims. Sixth, freedom of expression is threatened by violence against journalists, media censorship, and laws that restrict criticism. Seventh, rule of law is weak, with a slow justice system, delayed trials, police excesses, and lack of accountability. Eighth, social rights including access to healthcare, education, housing, and clean water are not fully realized, especially for the poor. Ninth, labor rights are violated through exploitation, low wages, unsafe working conditions, and lack of union rights. Tenth, regional disparities exist, with Balochistan and former FATA areas lagging in development and facing human rights issues.
To safeguard human rights in Pakistan, several measures are needed. First, the National Commission for Human Rights must be strengthened with more resources and powers to investigate violations. Second, constitutional guarantees must be fully implemented through effective laws and enforcement mechanisms. Third, judicial reforms are needed for speedy justice, including more courts and judges. Fourth, police reforms should ensure accountability and proper training in human rights. Fifth, existing laws against honor killings and child marriage must be strictly enforced, and perpetrators brought to justice. Sixth, special measures to protect minorities should include reserved seats, protection of worship places, and strict action against forced conversions. Seventh, education and awareness about human rights should be promoted in schools and through media. Eighth, women must be empowered through education, skill development, and economic opportunities, with strict action against violence. Ninth, freedom of press must be ensured and journalists protected from threats and violence. Tenth, Pakistan should ratify and implement all international human rights treaties and submit regular reports. Eleventh, root causes of extremism must be addressed through education, economic opportunities, and dialogue. Twelfth, civil society and human rights organizations should be strengthened and allowed to work freely. Thirteenth, prison conditions should be improved and prisoners' rights protected. Fourteenth, accountability for human rights violations must be ensured, with no impunity for perpetrators. Fifteenth, interfaith harmony and dialogue should be promoted through conferences, exchange programs, and curriculum reform. With sustained efforts from government, civil society, and citizens, human rights in Pakistan can be improved.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, in Paris, and this date is now celebrated annually as Human Rights Day. The declaration was drafted by representatives from different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, and it was the first time that countries agreed on a comprehensive statement of inalienable human rights to be universally protected. The UDHR consists of 30 articles that outline the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all people are entitled.
The key articles of the UDHR include: Article 1 states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Article 2 guarantees rights without discrimination of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, or national origin. Article 3 declares the right to life, liberty, and security of person. Article 4 prohibits slavery and the slave trade in all forms. Article 5 prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. Article 6 recognizes everyone's right to be recognized as a person before the law. Article 7 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law. Article 8 provides the right to an effective remedy by competent tribunals for acts violating fundamental rights. Article 9 prohibits arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile. Article 10 guarantees the right to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal. Article 11 provides for the presumption of innocence until proved guilty and prohibits retroactive penal laws. Article 12 protects against arbitrary interference with privacy, family, home, or correspondence. Article 13 guarantees freedom of movement and residence within borders and the right to leave and return to one's country. Article 14 provides the right to seek asylum from persecution. Article 15 guarantees the right to a nationality. Article 16 ensures the right to marry and found a family, with equal rights during marriage and at its dissolution. Article 17 protects the right to own property. Article 18 guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Article 19 ensures freedom of opinion and expression. Article 20 guarantees freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Article 21 provides the right to participate in government and equal access to public service, with periodic and genuine elections. Article 22 recognizes the right to social security and economic, social, and cultural rights. Article 23 guarantees the right to work, equal pay, and to form and join trade unions. Article 24 ensures the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable working hours and holidays. Article 25 guarantees the right to an adequate standard of living, including food, clothing, housing, medical care, and social services. Article 26 guarantees the right to education, with elementary education compulsory and free, and higher education accessible on merit. Article 27 ensures the right to participate in cultural life and benefit from scientific progress. Article 28 states that everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which these rights can be realized. Article 29 emphasizes duties to the community and limitations on rights to secure respect for the rights of others. Article 30 states that nothing in the declaration implies any right to destroy any of the rights and freedoms set forth.
The UDHR is not a legally binding treaty, but it has inspired more than 60 human rights instruments that together constitute international human rights law. It has also influenced most national constitutions, including Pakistan's, and serves as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations. Pakistan is a signatory to the UDHR and has incorporated many of its principles into the Constitution.
Classify each item as either a RIGHT or an OBLIGATION/DUTY:
Fundamental Rights
- Equality of all citizens before law
- Casting vote during elections
- Freedom of expression
- Liberty and security
- Protection of property
Duties / Obligations
- Abiding by law
- Respecting diversity of opinions
- Cleaning neighbourhood
- Defending the country
