{"id":9290,"date":"2024-06-14T10:59:11","date_gmt":"2024-06-14T10:59:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrcp-web.org\/hrcpweb\/?p=9290"},"modified":"2024-06-14T10:59:11","modified_gmt":"2024-06-14T10:59:11","slug":"democratic-and-fundamental-rights-sidelined-in-punjab-during-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrcp-web.org\/hrcpweb\/democratic-and-fundamental-rights-sidelined-in-punjab-during-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Democratic and fundamental rights sidelined in Punjab during 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

Press release<\/p>\n

Democratic and fundamental rights sidelined in Punjab during 2023
\n<\/strong>HRCP releases annual report<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lahore, 14 June 2024<\/em>. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan\u2019s (HRCP) annual report on the state of human rights in 2023 details how civic rights in Punjab continued to be sidelined throughout the year with alarming escalation. The absence of a functional provincial legislature effectively deprived Punjab\u2019s citizens of their right to fair representation. The interim government also persisted beyond its mandate, going against the spirit of true democracy.<\/p>\n

There was also no end in sight to Punjab\u2019s political tussles, which worsened after PTI leader Imran Khan was arrested on 9 May. Violent protests broke out in which a corps commander\u2019s house was attacked, but the state\u2019s excessive use of force to quell protestors was a far cry from restoring public order. Instead, party workers and leaders were subjected to a brutal crackdown in the form of raids, arbitrary detentions and short-term enforced disappearances. Such repressive tactics against dissent significantly impacted the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association.<\/p>\n

The vulnerability of marginalised groups in Punjab increased, particularly women who experienced a rise in gender-based violence during 2023. Child sexual abuse also persisted, with 75 percent of total cases in Pakistan originating from Punjab. Furthermore, faith-based attacks intensified, especially on Ahmadi sites of worship, clearly violating freedom of religion or belief. This culminated in a shocking incident where Christian homes and churches in Jaranwala were set on fire.<\/p>\n

In welcome news, the sedition law was struck down by the Lahore High Court for being repugnant to the protection of fundamental rights. The court also ordered an end to forced child labour and directed the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau to take more stringent measures against perpetrators. However, the state displayed a stark negligence to citizens\u2019 economic and social rights. For instance, unchecked rising inflation placed a significant economic strain on farmers and labourers, sparking outrages and mass protests. Several public health crises also emerged, with outbreaks of measles and dengue affecting a large number of citizens, and then again when air quality levels in various districts reached critically hazardous levels. HRCP notes that the state must take decisive action to uphold citizens\u2019 rights in Punjab, particularly of those from marginalised communities, without further delay.<\/p>\n

Asad Iqbal Butt
\nChairperson<\/p>\n

Access the report here<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>