Human rights practices
Pakistan: a long march for democracy and the rule of law
The state's role in human rights violations in Pakistan
Authors:
D. Bouvier; F. Boggio Cosadia
Publisher:
International Federation for Human Rights, 2009
This report addresses the situation of human rights in Pakistan during 2007 and the first half of 2008. It discusses violations of the principles of the rule of law and human rights violations committed by the state during the period covered. The report also discusses the abuses committed by non-state actors, but focuses on the state in order to demonstrate that the policy of violating fundamental rights and principles led by Pakistani state authorities contributes to strengthening the non-state actors, responsible for abuses.
2007 marked the beginning of a confrontation between the judiciary and the executive power, an unprecedented event in the history of Pakistan. The outcome of this conflict is crucial - the separation of powers serves as a guarantee of democracy and the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary from the executive branch is a necessary condition for absolute respect for and safeguard of fundamental rights.
The report argues that violations by the executive branch were widespread and systematic in 2007, and covered all fields - in addition to undermining the independence of the judiciary, the executive power has seriously attacked other rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. Attacks to the integrity and security of people were also very serious - excesses of power and disproportionate measures have proliferated, as have serious failures of the state in its mission to safeguard public order and the security of its citizens. Discrimination, a long-standing problem, has intensified and fundamental rights and freedoms are in danger in Pakistan.
The report makes several recommendations for the government of Pakistan, the EU and the international community, and concludes that ignoring the need for the reintroduction of a legitimate judiciary and a commitment to defend fundamental rights would be a grave mistake as judicial independence is a necessary condition for the assertion of rights too long denied.
