FOR far too many, life is a series of insurmountable challenges that prevent a full realisation of individual potential. In its latest annual flagship report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has again shone an unflinching light on the slew of injustices visited upon society’s most vulnerable citizens. The fact is, Pakistan continues to fall short in protecting women, children, members of religious minorities, etc. Instead of strengthening institutions and implementing rights-based legislation, the state tends to respond reactively to isolated incidents, that is, if they provoke a certain level of public outrage. Such an approach does not facilitate systemic change. Sadly, human rights do not figure at the top of the state’s priorities. Consider that the National Commission for Human Rights is lying dysfunctional since last May. That said, in a departure from the past, the government has not rejected its contents out of hand. While listing some of its achievements in the human rights arena, it has candidly acknowledged that rights violations in several respects remain unacceptably high.

Archaic notions of honour continue to fuel all manner of violence against women, and prevent their unfettered access to health, education and employment. Pro-women legislation has been on the statute books for years now, but the centre and provinces have shown unforgivable laxity in putting those laws into practice. Sexual abuse of minors is coming to light in ever more horrific forms, such as child labourers being victimised in mines in Balochistan. The newly enacted Zainab Alert law will hopefully to some extent serve its purpose in tracing abducted minors, if it is properly implemented. Child labour laws are flouted with impunity, and cases of horribly abused minor domestic workers create only a temporary stir. Forced conversions of members of religious minorities continue unabated, and for one community in particular, the freedom to worship exists in name alone. Access to justice remains elusive for the people, with close to 1.8m cases pending before the court. While model criminal trial courts introduced in 2019 disposed of many cases swiftly, long-term criminal justice reforms are still awaited. Resolution of enforced disappearances moves at a glacial pace, if at all. Civil society must be steadfast in pushing back against regressive and anti-democratic elements. Curbs on freedom of opinion and expression only serve those who want a fragmented society closed to reason, unwilling to debate — and all the more easy to control.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2020