The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over the shrinking environment for human rights work in the country.

In the past few months, the HRCP has faced numerous illegal and unwarranted obstacles in its operations. The organization emphasizes that its endeavors are based on the rights of all individuals, as enshrined in the Pakistani Constitution and international treaties.

The HRCP has reported that individuals posing as security officials have disrupted its gatherings, falsely claiming that a No-Objection Certificate is mandatory for internal meetings. Two such instances relate to a meeting on the human rights impacts of extremism in Islamabad and a discussion on community rights to resources in Gilgit. Both events had confirmed participation from government officials and lawmakers.

Furthermore, HRCP members and staff have been harassed and threatened across the country. In an unusual incident, the HRCP Chairperson was summoned for questioning by Karachi police.

The HRCP views these actions as part of a broader pattern of pressure. This includes the 2024 attempt to shut down the organization’s Lahore office, cutting off its electricity supply, and a bank freezing its funds citing a State Bank of Pakistan directive, which the bank later denied in court.

The HRCP urges authorities to uphold the fundamental freedoms of assembly, association, and expression and guarantee the protection of human rights defenders. The Commission believes that civil society groups are essential to Pakistan’s progress as a rights-respecting state and foster a more tolerant society, a critical need for the country.