WASHINGTON: The latest “2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices” from the US State Department indicate that Pakistan has made minimal progress in addressing human rights concerns. The report highlights ongoing issues such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and harsh prison conditions. Additionally, restrictions on freedom of expression, media freedom, and internet usage persist, alongside limitations on religious freedom and the operation of civil society organizations.
Furthermore, the report underscores significant government corruption, gender-based violence, and crimes targeting religious and ethnic minorities. It also acknowledges the role of militant organizations and non-state actors in perpetuating violence and intolerance, contributing to a sense of lawlessness.
Despite efforts by military, police, and other law enforcement agencies to combat militant and terrorist groups, terrorist attacks continue to cause casualties among civilians, soldiers, and police personnel. Overall, the report suggests that Pakistan’s human rights landscape remains largely unchanged.
