UNHRC urges Pakistan to implement reforms on military courts, privacy laws, and freedom of expression.
The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) has issued a comprehensive report calling for substantial reforms in Pakistan, urging the government to address several pressing human rights concerns.
The recommendations, which were presented during Pakistan’s second review under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), touch upon critical issues including military courts, privacy laws, and freedom of expression, with a clear message for urgent action.
Among the key recommendations, the UNHRC called for an immediate end to the practice of conducting civilian trials in military courts.
This practice, the committee stated, violates Articles 14 and 15 of the ICCPR, which guarantee the right to a fair trial and protect individuals from retroactive criminal laws.
The UN body emphasized that military courts should not have jurisdiction over civilians, asserting that such a practice undermines fundamental judicial safeguards in Pakistan’s legal system.
Reforms in Privacy and Surveillance Laws
The committee also raised alarms over Pakistan’s surveillance, data, and privacy laws, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure compliance with Article 17 of the ICCPR.
This article guarantees the right to privacy for all citizens, but the report pointed out that existing legislation in Pakistan lacks adequate safeguards to protect personal data and private lives.
The UNHRC’s recommendation calls for a thorough overhaul of privacy laws to align with international human rights standards.
Freedom of Expression and Social Media Restrictions
In its report, the UNHRC strongly criticized Pakistan’s practice of imposing widespread internet shutdowns and restricting access to social media platforms.
These actions were described as excessive and harmful to the country’s freedom of expression, a fundamental human right.
The committee urged Pakistan to lift such restrictions and respect the rights of citizens to freely express their opinions online.
Protecting Refugees and Reforming Blasphemy Laws
Another significant recommendation was regarding the treatment of Afghan refugees.
The committee urged Pakistan to establish a dedicated asylum and refugee protection law that would prevent forced deportations and ensure the protection of refugees’ rights.
Additionally, the UNHRC called for reforms to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and the lifting of the ban on student unions, both of which were seen as restrictive and incompatible with ICCPR standards.
Amnesty International has welcomed the UNHRC’s findings, urging Pakistan to act swiftly to implement the recommended reforms to improve the human rights situation in the country.
