HRCP, Civil Society Urge Govt to Address Worsening Human Rights Crisis in Pakistan

On March 27, 2025, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and various civil society organizations held a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, urging the government to address multiple human rights crises in the country. They highlighted issues such as the suppression of dissent, restrictions on press freedom, misuse of blasphemy and cybercrime laws, and the increasing influence of the establishment over governance. The HRCP expressed concern over the short-term enforced disappearances of journalists and activists, the weaponization of religious extremism against marginalized groups, and the growing influence of militants in border regions, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They also criticized the state’s response to protests in Balochistan, where authorities have used force and mass arrests against demonstrators advocating for fundamental rights. Additionally, the statement pointed to economic issues, including rampant inflation, youth unemployment, and violations of labor rights, such as the non-enforcement of minimum wage laws and delayed salaries in both public and private sectors. The HRCP and civil society groups called for a political solution to these crises, emphasizing the need for dialogue and consensus between the federal government and political opposition to restore democratic governance and uphold human rights.