Freedom of assembly: A right, not a privilege Lahore, 17 October. While the political rally organised by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance in Gujranwala was not marked by flagrant violations of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) remains concerned by earlier reports indicating state-sanctioned attempts

Joint press release Spotlight on Pakistan amid re-election to UN Human Rights Council Lahore, Islamabad, 14 October. Pakistan’s re-election into the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday has put the country’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights under the spotlight for the next three years. Justice Project Pakistan (JPP), the Human Rights Commission

HRCP announces I. A. Rehman Research Grant Lahore, 13 October. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has announced that it is instituting the I. A. Rehman Research Grant in honour of the veteran human rights defender, journalist and former secretary-general of the Commission. HRCP will award one grant of PKR 350,000 to an

Government must demonstrate commitment to freedom of peaceful assembly Lahore, 12 October. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) will monitor the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)’s rally, scheduled to be held in Gujranwala on 16 October. As an independent, impartial human rights body, HRCP’s aim in doing so is to ensure that the state

HRCP slams PEMRA order Lahore, 2 October. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) takes serious exception to the recent order issued by PEMRA, prohibiting news channels from broadcasting interviews and public addresses by ‘proclaimed offenders and absconders’ on national television. This step violates not only citizens’ right to freedom of expression under Article

HRCP alarmed by surge in blasphemy cases against Shia community Lahore, 5 September. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is gravely concerned at the recent surge in blasphemy cases being registered against sectarian and religious minorities, particularly the Shia community, and the potential for ensuing sectarian violence. Anecdotal evidence suggests that over 40

Freedom from fear: HRCP demands end to enforced disappearances Lahore, 30 August. On International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) reminds the government of its pledge to criminalise enforced disappearances. Not only must this heinous practice be recognised as a distinct, autonomous offence and the perpetrators

Release detained fisherfolk to mark independence meaningfully Lahore, 13 August. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) calls on the Pakistani and Indian governments to renew their commitment to bilateral peace as they celebrate their national independence, by securing the release of over 300 fisherfolk languishing in each other’s jails. In both cases, fisherfolk

Pakistan must honour pledge in Jinnah’s 11 August speech Lahore, 11 August. Observing National Minorities Day, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has said that both state and society must be true to Mr Jinnah’s vision of a country in which religion or belief was a personal matter and no basis for differences

HRCP condemns Kashmir siege Lahore, 4 August. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly condemns the Modi government’s unrelenting suppression of civil, political and economic rights in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). As an independent human rights body with strong rights-based networks across South Asia and globally, HRCP believes that the state of affairs