Press release Punjab defamation bill throttles free expression  Lahore, 20 May 2024. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed grave concern over the draft defamation bill tabled in the Punjab Assembly. The content and language of the bill is troubling on several counts. First, it proposes a parallel structure to adjudicate claims

Press release 2023 marked by gross economic injustice, disregard for ConstitutionHRCP releases annual report Islamabad, 8 May 2024. Apart from the political polarization that continued through 2023, resulting in greater restrictions on civil and political rights, the year was marked by acute distress among ordinary people, caused by the cost-of-living crisis and manifested in large-scale

Press releaseHRCP demands renewed commitment to press freedom and media protectionsLahore, 3 May 2024. On this World Press Freedom Day, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) calls on the state to ensure fair and timely compensation for journalists and media workers, institute mechanisms to protect them from attacks, and hold accountable perpetrators of their

Press release HRCP calls for increased rights protection in Punjab Lahore, 4 April 2024: In a letter to the Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)’s chairperson, Asad Iqbal Butt, has called for immediate action on persistent rights violations in the province. With violence against women, children and

Press release HRCP deeply troubled by intelligence agencies' continued interference in institutions Lahore, 27 March 2024. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is deeply concerned by the allegations made by six high court judges, who claim that interference and intimidation by the state’s intelligence agencies have undermined the independence of the judiciary. In

Press release HRCP demands better enforcement of safety protocols for coal miners Peshawar, 26 March 2024. A fact-finding mission led by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has determined that the deaths of three coal miners at Darra Adam Khel, Kohat, on 20 October 2023 was due to persistent neglect of occupational safety

Press release HRCP calls for justice in suspected targeted killing of Hidayatullah Lohar Karachi, 25 March 2024. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) calls on the Sindh government to ensure that the murder of political activist Hidayatullah Lohar is investigated transparently and independently of any external pressure. The protestors who were detained on

Press release HRCP demands measures for women's economic empowerment and gender parity Lahore, 8 March 2024. On this International Women's Day, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) commends the resilience of working women in the face of harmful misogynistic attitudes and unprecedented economic instability. However, it is gravely concerning that Pakistan continues to lag

Press release HRCP warns Senate against imposing social media curbs Lahore, 3 March 2024. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly opposes the proposed Senate resolution seeking a ban on all social media and warns the members of the Upper House that any such ill-judged measures that violate people’s constitutional right to freedom

Press release HRCP releases 2024 election report, demands independent audit Lahore, 17 February 2024. In a report released earlier today, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called into question the integrity and credibility of the 8 February elections. Reports from HRCP’s election observers, who carried out spot-checks across 51 constituencies, indicate that