Overview
The crackdown on the media, civil society and the political opposition intensified. Frequent enforced disappearances continued; nobody was held accountable. COVID-19 created new challenges for economic, social and cultural rights. Health workers were detained for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression, and also came under attack at their place of work. The Supreme Court blocked efforts to relieve prison overcrowding, despite the spread of COVID-19 in prisons. Religious minorities continued to be prosecuted under blasphemy laws and attacked by non-state actors. Violence against women remained prevalent. Prime Minister Khan made encouraging announcements to release women prisoners and criminalize torture but there was little progress in implementing these measures. The Ministry of Human Rights presided over critical reforms around the death penalty and child abuse. The National Commission on Human Rights remained defunct.
Death penalty status
Retentionist
Retains the death penalty in law
News
Media enquiries
Our Offices
Amnesty International Secretariat Office
View All Contact InfoResearch
Reports, briefings, urgent actions and UN submissions
Commentary
Analysis, opinion, personal stories and more.
Pakistan
You can disappear my father. But you cannot disappear his bravery.
Pakistan
The immodest march
Pakistan
You should not be able to see the air
Pakistan
Pakistan: A chance to show leadership on refugee rights