WHILE fundamental rights may be protected by the Constitution, it is undeniable that these are violated on a daily basis in Pakistan. What is particularly disturbing is that often different arms of the state violate human rights. Hence it is important that those in the corridors of power — and those waiting to enter them — display an unflinching commitment to the protection of basic rights. In this regard, PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar made some noteworthy suggestions at an event in Islamabad recently. The veteran politician said that political parties should formulate a minimum charter of human rights along the lines of the Charter of Democracy. Mr Babar said that along with the right to life, liberty and security, freedom of information, freedom of expression, right to assembly, and right to association must be the main components of this charter. The senator also called for the death penalty to be reconsidered, and if this were not possible, the number of capital offences to be reduced. In addition, a call was made to not extend the life of the military courts beyond January 2017.

While some of the mainstream parties have been discussing human rights publicly, and have lobbied for the protection of these freedoms, in the rough and tumble of Pakistani politics the focus on preserving basic rights is often lost. In this sense, creating a charter of human rights — to which all mainstream political parties can pledge their commitment — would be a progressive and much-needed step. By promising to protect human rights and including these goals in their respective manifestos, parties will be seen to be walking the walk and can be held to account by the people if rights are violated under their watch. Moreover, to promote respect for and awareness of human rights, lessons on fundamental freedoms can be included in the syllabus. This would inculcate respect for human rights in young minds and hopefully be a step towards creating a better and more humane society. As for the call to review the death penalty, this paper has always argued for its abolition. And in recent days, when incidents of innocent men being executed have emerged, the case against the death penalty has been strengthened further. Military courts should also be wound up by the due date, and the state should invest its energies in improving Pakistan’s decrepit justice system.

Published in Dawn December 10th, 2016