CIVICUS, an international rights watchdog, has rated Pakistan “repressed” for a decline in civic freedoms, according to a press release published this week.
In its latest report, CIVICUS has placed Pakistan alongside the United States (UK), Italy, Serbia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The listed countries are witnessing “a rapid decline in civic freedoms”.
Pakistan has been classified as “repressed” due to the criminalisation of activists, stifling of opposition and minority protests, and restrictions on digital spaces, according to CIVICUS. The persistent targeting of journalists and formulation of draconian legislation such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 are among the factors contributing to shrinking civic space in the country, according to CIVICUS.
The rights group has highlighted the criminal charges against Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr Mahrang Baloch and human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, calling them a “political witch-hunt” and “attempts at silencing dissent”.
The controversial amendments to PECA and enforced connectivity blackouts during demonstrations continue to restrict civil liberties. “In January 2025, the government amended PECA to further tighten its control on online speech,” the statement reads.
“The authorities have also continued to block internet and mobile phone services ahead of protests while social media site X has been down since February 2024.”
The countries with a “repressed” rating have a “significantly constrained” civic space, where critics of those in power “risk surveillance, harassment, intimidation, imprisonment, injury and death”.
“The crackdown on protests by the opposition and ethnic minority groups and targeting of journalists and digital restrictions are inconsistent with Pakistan’s international human rights obligations. They also go against the recommendations made by the UN Human Rights Committee.”
CIVICUS has called on the authorities to protect the rights to peaceful assembly and expression and take action against the perpetrators.
