Islamabad. Pakistan continues to face serious challenges regarding the protection of its religious and ethnic minorities, as well as concerns over governance and democratic accountability.
Reports presented at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) highlighted ongoing issues affecting communities such as Christians, Hindus, Ahmadis, Pashtuns, and Baloch, citing discrimination, insecurity, and limited access to justice.
Human rights experts have raised concerns about increasing violence against minority groups and the need for stronger legal protections. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community, in particular, has reported incidents of targeted attacks, arrests, and damage to property and places of worship. UN experts have urged Pakistani authorities to take concrete steps to end impunity for such acts and ensure accountability for all forms of religiously motivated violence.
Christian and Hindu communities have also faced periodic violence linked to blasphemy accusations, which human rights groups say have sometimes led to mob unrest.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and international organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for reforms to prevent misuse of blasphemy laws and to protect those accused.
Reports have further documented cases of abductions and coerced conversions involving underage girls from minority faiths. UN rapporteurs have appealed to Pakistan to strengthen child protection mechanisms and ensure that all cases of early marriage or forced conversion are fully investigated and prosecuted.
Ethnic minority groups such as Pashtuns and Baloch have also raised concerns over human rights violations linked to security operations. Pashtun activists have reported cases of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and civilian casualties during counterterrorism campaigns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Baloch families continue to demand information about missing persons.
A UN Special Rapporteur in 2025 expressed concern about the treatment of Baloch protesters and called for all parties to respect the right to peaceful assembly.
Alongside these human rights issues, Pakistan’s democratic institutions have faced scrutiny. The 2024 general elections drew controversy after allegations of electoral irregularities and political interference.
The case drew significant public attention when Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaqat Ali Chattha claimed that election results had been manipulated. The HRCP described the claims as deeply concerning and urged for an independent investigation to restore public trust in the electoral process.
In the aftermath of the elections, demonstrations were held in several cities by citizens calling for greater transparency. Authorities said the protests disrupted public order, while rights groups alleged that some participants were detained.
Observers note that Pakistan’s political and human rights landscape remains complex, shaped by security concerns, economic pressures, and institutional challenges. The UN Human Rights Council and domestic rights organizations have continued to call for inclusive governance, stronger rule of law, and greater protection of vulnerable communities.
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