Human Rights Concerns Rise in Pakistan as Peaceful Protesters, Including Women's Day Marchers, Face Arrests and Detention

Human rights groups have expressed concern over the tightening control on peaceful protests and freedom of expression in Pakistan. The debate has intensified following incidents where individuals attempting to take to the streets for International Women's Day were arrested.

Sociologist and activist Mawra Bari was heading to the International Women's Day march in the capital, Islamabad, but her day was spent not on the streets, but in a cramped jail cell. She reported spending about 12 hours in extremely uncomfortable, foul-smelling, and suffocating conditions. The environment was made unbearable by the stench emanating from a broken toilet, a perpetually damp floor, and the smell of sweat.

According to her, more than 30 people, including women, men, and children, were arrested simultaneously. "We were in extremely bad jail conditions, and we were even beaten," she said. A journalist from AFP, witnessing the condition of the detainees during their release, observed that many appeared mentally distressed, while some clearly showed signs of physical abuse and swelling.

Outside the police station, a parent emotionally stated, "My daughter only came to watch the march; she did nothing wrong." Such incidents raise questions about the state's approach to peaceful assembly and civil liberties.

Interestingly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the same day, praised the contributions of women on social media, stating that women's empowerment is a priority for the government. However, in practice, those attempting to protest have been arrested.

Human rights organizations have accused Pakistan of using arrests as a tool to suppress dissent. Amnesty International has warned that dissent is being curtailed through arbitrary detention, the use of force, and restrictions on assembly. It is reported that in most cases, the arrested individuals are not even informed of the reason for their detention.

Human Rights Watch stated that it has documented threats, legal harassment, and enforced disappearances targeting activists, journalists, and lawyers. Groups demanding equality or opposition demonstrations are often stopped or banned, while pro-government activities are allegedly allowed to proceed smoothly.

According to digital rights activist Usama Khilji, the situation now is such that "almost everything is linked to national security," which serves as the basis for action. He cited the example of human rights lawyer Iman Mazari, who has been forced to serve jail time for raising sensitive issues. Both Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chatta, are imprisoned on charges of "anti-state" social media posts.

Similarly, digital journalist Sohrab Barkat has been held in custody without trial on charges of criticizing state institutions. A Pakistani-origin researcher visiting from Canada was also reportedly missing for several days due to social media posts.

International organizations concerned with journalist safety have also noted increasing risks in Pakistan. It was mentioned that at least seven journalists have been killed in 2024 alone, and others have faced harassment and enforced disappearances. New media laws are also being criticized for stifling freedom of expression.

Journalist Seharish Qureshi, who was arrested during the Women's Day events, stated that she had only gone to the police station to inquire about the condition of other journalists. "I was allowed inside, but later detained without reason," she said.

Harris Khalique, Secretary-General of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, commented that such legal arrangements are "draconian." This is feared to weaken the role of free expression and the media.

After her release, Bari shared her experience with friends, saying, "It was extremely frightening at first; we didn't even know why we were arrested." The police later cited the violation of a law prohibiting gatherings of more than four people.

However, a few days later, thousands of Shia Muslims gathered in Islamabad on the occasion of Al-Quds Day, further raising questions about the unequal enforcement of restrictions.

Despite such risks, activists are not ready to back down. One participant, who was arrested and beaten during the demonstration, said, "This will not stop me."