Pakistan has been placed on the 2025 human rights watchlist of an international civic freedoms monitor due to increasing restrictions on civil space, the criminalization of activists, and widespread suppression of journalists. The country joins others experiencing rapid declines in civic freedoms, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Serbia, Italy, and the United States.
The monitor has categorized Pakistan’s civic space as “repressed,” highlighting concerns over the use of anti-terrorism laws against human rights defenders, opposition figures, and ethnic minority activists. Authorities have intensified crackdowns on protests, with hundreds of demonstrators arrested in recent months under vague legal provisions. Protesters advocating for minority rights have faced heavy-handed responses, while digital restrictions and suppression of online discourse have further tightened state control over civil liberties.
Escalating Legal Actions Against Activists
Recent months have seen an increase in legal action against activists. Prominent figures involved in advocacy efforts have faced multiple criminal charges, including accusations under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Charges against these individuals include allegations of incitement, defamation, and facilitating activities deemed hostile to the state. Authorities have cited security concerns and public order disruptions as justification for these actions.
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The monitor noted that restrictions on opposition groups have also intensified, with a prominent movement advocating for ethnic rights being officially banned in 2024. Legal amendments have further expanded the scope of anti-terrorism legislation, granting the government greater powers to target individuals and organizations critical of state policies. The human rights community has described these actions as part of a broader campaign to silence dissent and stifle independent activism.
Crackdown on Journalists and Digital Censorship
Press freedoms have continued to deteriorate, with journalists facing increased scrutiny under stringent cybercrime laws. Many have been accused of spreading narratives deemed harmful to state institutions. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which was amended in early 2024, has been used to prosecute journalists and online commentators, further restricting freedom of expression.
Authorities have also implemented sweeping digital restrictions, including the prolonged shutdown of social media platform X since February 2024. The suspension of mobile and internet services during protests has further exacerbated concerns about state-led censorship. The monitor emphasized that these measures violate Pakistan’s international commitments to uphold civic freedoms and hinder efforts to hold those in power accountable.
International Concerns and Future Implications
The United Nations Human Rights Committee reviewed Pakistan’s civil and political rights record in October 2024, expressing concerns over enforced disappearances, arbitrary legal restrictions, and increasing limitations on freedom of assembly. The committee called for legislative reforms to protect civic freedoms and urged accountability for human rights violations.
Observers warn that continued repression could lead to further isolation on the global stage, with potential economic and diplomatic consequences. Calls for the government to reverse its course and safeguard fundamental rights have grown louder, as international organizations demand the release of detained activists and an end to restrictive policies. However, with legal and policy frameworks becoming increasingly stringent, concerns persist about the future of civic space in the country.