US Report Highlights Human Rights Abuses in Pakistan

Pakistan Faces Criticism from US Over Human Rights Abuses

Pakistan has come under scrutiny for its human rights record, with the United States releasing a report highlighting significant issues such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions in the country. The report, titled “2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices,” was released on Tuesday, shedding light on the violations in various countries.

According to the US State Department, promoting respect for human rights and defending fundamental freedoms is a core value of the United States. The report documents the status of human rights and worker rights in nearly 200 countries and territories, as required by US law.

In Pakistan, some of the major human rights issues include unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, harsh prison conditions, arbitrary detentions, political prisoners, and restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom. The report also highlighted serious government corruption and restrictions on religious and internet freedom.

One of the key concerns raised in the report is the government’s failure to hold officials accountable for human rights abuses. The report mentioned instances of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and attacks against police and security forces in the country.

Human rights organizations have accused government agents of continuing the policy of “kill and dump” in Balochistan, where dissidents are allegedly kidnapped, tortured, and killed. The report also noted a significant increase in attacks against police and military personnel in terrorist incidents.

Disappearances of activists from Pashtun, Sindhi, and Baloch communities have also been a recurring issue in Pakistan. Human rights organizations claim that authorities have arrested and caused the disappearance of individuals without cause or warrant, including children to pressure their parents.

Arbitrary detention is another concern, with reports of police detaining individuals to extort bribes or using relatives of wanted individuals as leverage. Ethnic minorities, stateless persons, Afghans, and refugees without official identification documents have reported arbitrary arrests and harassment by police authorities.

The report also highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in Pakistan, with high levels of violence or threats of violence from state and non-state actors. While citizens are permitted to criticize the government, court decisions have interpreted the constitution as prohibiting criticism of the military and judiciary.

Overall, the report paints a grim picture of the human rights situation in Pakistan, calling for greater accountability and respect for fundamental freedoms in the country.