HRCP report flags shrinking freedoms, rising violence in Pakistan in 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has warned of a sharp deterioration in civil liberties, judicial independence and public security in its annual report State of Human Rights in 2025, painting a troubling picture of governance and rights protection across Pakistan.

The report highlights a “severe contraction” in civic space, noting that the right to freedom of expression—particularly criticism of authority—was significantly curtailed during the year.

HRCP observed that this suppression has had far-reaching implications for accountability, rule of law and democratic norms, warning that citizens increasingly face constraints in voicing dissent.

Concerns were further amplified by legislative changes, including amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act 2025, which allow law enforcement agencies to detain individuals for up to three months, raising questions about due process and civil liberties.

The report points to growing concerns over judicial autonomy following the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which HRCP says expanded executive influence over judicial matters.

Institutional shifts included the creation of the Federal Constitutional Court and changes to judicial appointments, while the restoration of military trials for civilians also drew criticism.

Pakistan ranked 130th out of 143 countries in enforcement of fundamental rights, according to the report, reflecting broader institutional challenges.

The HRCP documented 1,272 terrorist attacks and counter-terrorism operations in 2025, resulting in over 3,400 deaths and more than 2,100 injuries nationwide.

It also reported 1,155 police encounters leading to 1,696 deaths, with a majority linked to Punjab’s Crime Control Department, raising concerns over extrajudicial actions.

Urban crime remained a challenge, particularly in Karachi, where around 64,000 criminal incidents were recorded. Meanwhile, prison overcrowding reached alarming levels, with over 110,000 inmates housed in facilities designed for just over 64,000.

Cases of enforced disappearances also persisted, with at least 273 new incidents reported—though HRCP believes actual figures may be significantly higher.

The report paints a grim picture of gender-based violence, with Pakistan ranking 145th out of 148 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index.

Over 6,500 cases of gender-based violence were recorded, including hundreds of so-called honour killings and thousands of domestic violence and rape cases. Cyber harassment against women also remained widespread.

Children continued to face high levels of abuse, with more than 3,600 reported cases, including over 2,000 incidents of sexual violence. Kidnappings, missing children cases and instances of child marriage further underscored vulnerabilities.

The report also highlighted violence against transgender individuals, labour safety concerns, and broader socio-economic challenges, noting that millions continue to live below the poverty line.

The HRCP concluded that 2025 saw a concerning decline in human rights protections, urging urgent reforms to restore institutional balance, safeguard civil liberties and address systemic inequalities across Pakistan.