The provided text features a conversation discussing human rights and the political landscape of Pakistan. It explores the suppression of fundamental rights, particularly for women and minorities, and how societal norms and state actions contribute to these violations. The speakers analyze the role of the military establishment and religious extremism in stifling progress and creating a climate of control. They also critique past and present political leaders, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, and Imran Khan, for their actions and policies that have impacted human rights and the country’s standing on the international stage. The dialogue further touches upon the need for awareness, systemic changes, and the potential for conditional aid from international powers to promote improvement in Pakistan’s human rights record.

Human Rights in Pakistan: A Study Guide

Quiz: Short Answer Questions

1. According to the source, what are some ways that fundamental human rights are denied at the social level in Pakistan?
2. The speakers discuss the concept of a “Mullah Military Alliance” in Pakistan. What is this alliance, and how does it impact human rights?
3. How does the lack of financial independence for women in Pakistan contribute to their diminished standing in society, as discussed in the text?
4. The text mentions the incident of couples being killed for marrying by choice. What does this exemplify about the state of human rights and societal norms in Pakistan?
5. What is meant by the concept of the “system” as the speaker describes its role in the U.S. and why does she think it’s not working in Pakistan?
6. What is Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and what does the source suggest about the reasons for its creation?
7. According to the text, how did General Zia-ul-Haq contribute to religious extremism in Pakistan?
8. The text discusses the potential for Pakistan to improve its standing on the world stage. What steps does the speaker suggest Pakistan take to achieve this?
9. What is the speaker’s opinion about Bilawal Bhutto’s slogan “Modi’s friend”?
10. According to the text, how did the Nawaz Sharif government improve quality of life for the average Pakistani between 2013 and 2018?

Quiz: Answer Key

1. Fundamental rights are denied at the social level through practices like honor killings, where couples are murdered for marrying by choice, and through the suppression of women due to a lack of financial independence and deeply ingrained patriarchal norms.
2. The “Mullah Military Alliance” refers to an informal partnership between religious groups and the military establishment. This alliance is said to stifle liberal voices and viewpoints, enforce religious orthodoxy, and restrict fundamental rights.
3. The lack of financial independence limits women’s agency and power within their families and society. Without economic autonomy, women are more vulnerable to oppression and control, and their social standing remains lower than that of men.
4. These killings highlight the prevalence of outdated and oppressive societal norms that prioritize tribal or family honor over individual rights. The act of killing couples for marrying by choice reflects a deep disregard for the basic human right to choose one’s own life partner.
5. The “system” in the U.S. refers to the awareness the state has provided for its citizens in the form of consequences, so that they can operate within the rules of the country. She believes this system is stagnant in Pakistan because the military is too focused on controlling things.
6. TLP is a religious political party that was created by the military establishment to break the vote bank of Noon League. After the TLP’s creation, it held violent demonstrations that lead to the death of police officers and ordinary citizens.
7. General Zia-ul-Haq is accused of creating religious and sectarian extremism in Pakistan. In the 1980s, Zia worked to promote religious extremism and break the stature of political parties.
8. The speaker believes that Pakistan must work to improve its human rights record, end extremism, and foster peace and friendship with its neighbors. She also suggests that international powers should encourage Pakistan to create an atmosphere where media is not controlled, but she doesn’t support those powers adding conditions to economic or student aid.
9. The speaker calls Bilawal Bhutto’s slogan vulgar and nonsensical. She believes that the slogan reinforces orthodoxy and conservatism in Pakistan, while the world is seeking peace and friendship.
10. The Nawaz Sharif government decreased prices of cooking oil and gasoline and increased the earnings of the salary class. They are also praised for rapidly improving infrastructure and creating overall economic improvement from 2013 to 2018.

Essay Questions

1. Analyze the role of the military establishment in Pakistan and its impact on human rights, as depicted in the source. How does the establishment’s focus on control, rather than upholding constitutional principles, affect the rights of citizens?
2. Discuss the challenges faced by women in Pakistan, considering both social and economic factors. How does the lack of financial independence, coupled with prevailing societal norms, contribute to their marginalization and vulnerability?
3. Examine the relationship between religious extremism and human rights violations in Pakistan, referencing specific examples from the text, such as the rise of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of external pressure, such as conditionality from international powers, as a means of improving human rights in Pakistan. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach?
5. Compare and contrast the leadership styles and legacies of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and General Zia-ul-Haq, particularly in relation to their impact on democracy, human rights, and religious extremism in Pakistan.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Fundamental Rights: Basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to all individuals, often enshrined in a country’s constitution.
• Human Rights Violations: Acts that contravene the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or other international human rights instruments.
• Minority Rights: The rights of groups that are numerically smaller than the dominant population in a country, including the right to practice their religion, culture, and language without discrimination.
• Tribal Patial Society: A society that is influenced by a tribal system in which the leader of the tribe exerts control over the political and economic system.
• Mullah Military Alliance: An informal partnership between religious groups and the military establishment, often used to suppress dissent and control society.
• Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP): A religious political party in Pakistan known for its hardline stance on blasphemy and its use of protests and demonstrations.
• Meritocracy: A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.
• Stagnation: A state of inactivity or lack of progress.
• Fanatical Space: An environment characterized by extreme religious or political zealotry and intolerance.
• Conditionality: The attachment of conditions to aid or loans provided by international organizations or countries, often related to human rights or governance.

Pakistan: Human Rights, Politics, and Society

Okay, here’s a briefing document summarizing the main themes and ideas discussed in the provided text excerpt.

Briefing Document: Analysis of Pakistani Societal Issues and Human Rights Violations

Source: Excerpts from an interview/discussion featuring Professor Dr. Farzana Arshad and Afzal Saheb.

Date: Unspecified, but references events from 2017 onward.

Main Themes:

• Human Rights Violations in Pakistan: A central theme is the pervasive and multifaceted violations of human rights in Pakistan. This includes suppression of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, such as freedom of expression, association, and the right to earn a living.
• “If we talk about the Constitution of Pakistan within Pakistan, the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the fundamental rights to every individual of the country but you see that Pakistan Within these fundamental rights, the rights to have association, the right to express, the freedom to speak with freedom, or to have your association, or your basic fundamental right, the right to live, the right to earn, the right to educate the children, all these rights which are These are suppressed at various places.”
• Women’s Rights and Social Inequality: The discussion highlights the lack of financial independence and societal freedom for women, especially in rural areas. Forced marriages and honor killings are cited as extreme examples of these violations.
• “If any boy The girl has married of her choice and then it is revealed that both her families have gone after her and the poor guy has run away and ultimately after a week, 10 days or a month, you come to know that the couple has been killed and They also kill him and his own people also kill him, so this is a very sad and very regretful situation.”
• “Due to lack of financial independence in India, I understand that the women who are there are far behind in the field, the situation is different in big cities, that means you are sitting in Lahore, I have lived my life in Lahore, now the women who are there are definitely becoming financially independent.”
• Minority Rights: Concerns are raised regarding the treatment of religious minorities (Christian, Hindu, etc.) and the need for greater social inclusion and equal opportunities.
• “There is a lot of issue with reference to minority rights, the way you yourself mentioned that those communities within Pakistan which are a little dominant i.e. are in small numbers, with reference to them. A friendly environment is also found.”
• The Role of the “Establishment” (Military and Agencies): A major point of contention is the perceived overreach and control exerted by the military establishment and intelligence agencies. This control stifles political development, suppresses dissent, and contributes to a stagnant society.
• “You see that the role of the military establishment here, the role of the agencies here, is the concept of control instead of it . So that they play their role as per the Constitution of Pakistan, they go after controlling the things, they control the politics, they control the politicians and this is the policy of controlling them, which brings the overall society to a standstill.”
• Engineered Religious Extremism: The discussion points to the alleged creation and support of extremist religious groups (like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan – TLP) by elements within the establishment for political purposes. This has led to increased violence and intolerance.
• “this TLP is Tehreek Laback Pakistan, this Tehreek Laback Pakistan, I am telling you, it was created in August 2017 when Miyan Nawaz Sharif Sahab was disqualified in July and after that his group When elections were to be held in N120, to break the N0 election vote bank of Noon Lee, the Mitt Establishment created the Tehreek Labaik”
• Historical Context & Political Leaders: The speakers reflect on the actions of past leaders (Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, General Zia-ul-Haq, Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan) and their impact on Pakistani society, the constitution and the country’s democratic journey. Bhutto is criticised for the injection of religious elements into law, even though he had a chance to limit the army’s power after the loss of East Pakistan.
• Pakistan’s International Standing: The discussion addresses Pakistan’s negative image on the global stage due to extremism and human rights abuses, which hinders trade and economic development. Pakistan’s reliance on international financial aid is contrasted with countries that thrive on trade.
• Meritocracy and Equal Opportunity: The lack of meritocracy and equal opportunities is highlighted as a significant problem. The question is raised about how to ensure that individuals are judged based on their capabilities and education, rather than other factors.
• “The right to earn is now the responsibility of the state to provide equal chances to every individual. So you see me, I question you that where is the meritocracy within Pakistan.”
• The need for internal change It was highlighted that any lasting change in Pakistan would have to be organic to the population, it would need to come from a place of equality. The people will need to see a safe life, a sound education and an appropriate environment to promote change and grow as a society.

Key Ideas/Facts:

• The discussion emphasizes the dire state of human rights in Pakistan across multiple dimensions.
• The influence of the military establishment on Pakistan’s political landscape and its role in manipulating religious groups are heavily criticized.
• The lack of economic progress and the dependence on international aid are linked to Pakistan’s negative global image and internal repression.
• There is a strong call for the state to prioritize awareness, education, and systemic changes to address these issues.
• The speakers debate the role of international conditionality on aid, weighing the potential benefits of promoting human rights against the risk of further isolating the country.
• That there is a deep routed need to hold bad actors accountable and they need to be tried fairly but accordingly to the law.

Quotes:

• “The way human rights are violated in the areas of our country, even the state level has a role in it.”
• “Women over 50 do nothing and they do nothing for the family… their financial situation is suppressed within the social fabric.”
• “Instead of giving birth to any life in it, madam, it is right that your establishment knows that that power is in their hands. They can put a nose ring on whomever they want, whenever they want, but whenever they feel like it, they can give them a free hand”

Overall Assessment:

The text paints a grim picture of Pakistani society, characterized by widespread human rights violations, political manipulation, and a lack of economic progress. The speakers express frustration with the current state of affairs and call for fundamental changes to address these deep-seated problems. The role of the “establishment” is seen as a major obstacle to progress, and the need for greater accountability and transparency is emphasized. The discussion also touches upon the complex relationship between Pakistan and the international community, particularly regarding human rights conditionality on aid.

Human Rights and Societal Issues in Pakistan: An Overview

FAQ on Human Rights and Societal Issues in Pakistan

1. What are some of the most pressing human rights issues facing Pakistan today?

Pakistan faces numerous human rights challenges, including violations against women, minorities, and marginalized communities. These include issues like honor killings, lack of financial independence for women, and discrimination against religious minorities (particularly the Christian and Hindu communities). Fundamental rights like freedom of association, expression, and the right to earn a livelihood are often suppressed, particularly in rural areas and at the state level. Meritocracy is lacking, leading to unequal opportunities based on capabilities and education.

2. How does the “Mullah-Military Alliance” contribute to human rights violations in Pakistan?

The “Mullah-Military Alliance,” referring to the collaboration between religious groups and the military establishment, is a significant driver of human rights violations. This alliance often promotes religious extremism and violence, suppressing liberal voices and hindering the development of a tolerant society. The military establishment’s control over politics and politicians further exacerbates the problem, leading to stagnation and the denial of fundamental rights.

3. What role has the Pakistani state played in perpetuating or addressing these human rights issues?

While the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees fundamental rights, the state often fails to uphold them effectively. The state’s role in creating awareness and implementing systemic change is lacking. The military establishment, rather than adhering to its constitutional role, often engages in controlling politics and suppressing dissent. The state also bears responsibility for the lack of meritocracy and equal opportunities for all citizens.

4. What impact has the military establishment had on societal progress and fundamental rights in Pakistan?

The military establishment’s interference in politics and its focus on control have led to societal stagnation and violations of human rights, fundamental rights, and minority rights. By controlling politics, politicians and the overall narrative, the establishment hinders the organic growth of society and prevents the development of a system that protects and promotes these rights.

5. How do engineered political elements, like the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), impact Pakistani society and human rights?

Groups like the TLP, allegedly created with the support of the establishment, disrupt the organic development of society and often result in violence. These groups manipulate religious sentiments and create an atmosphere of extremism and intolerance, leading to the denial of human rights and the suppression of dissent. The violence and instability they create hinder progress and development.

6. What historical factors have contributed to the current human rights situation in Pakistan?

Several historical factors have contributed to the current human rights situation, including General Zia-ul-Haq’s policies in the 1980s that promoted religious extremism and sectarianism. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s earlier use of religion for political gain and his failure to control the military establishment after 1971 also played a role. These historical decisions created a foundation for the current challenges.

7. What are the implications of Pakistan’s current economic situation for human rights and societal development?

Pakistan’s reliance on international financial aid and its struggling economy have negative implications for human rights and societal development. The focus on debt and dependence on aid diverts attention and resources away from addressing human rights issues and improving the lives of ordinary citizens. The need for trade and economic independence is crucial for Pakistan to address its internal problems and open doors for the common people of Pakistan.

8. What role can international actors play in improving human rights in Pakistan?

International actors, particularly the United States and the European Union, should engage with Pakistan’s military establishment to address the issues that create a dark city, not necessarily through conditionality on aid but through consistent dialogue and pressure. They should also support independent voices and media and criticize attempts to control information and suppress dissent. Promoting peace and friendship with neighboring countries is also essential.

Human Rights Challenges and Realities in Pakistan

Human rights in Pakistan are a complex issue with violations occurring at various levels.

Key points regarding human rights:

• Constitutional Guarantees: The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees fundamental rights to every individual, including the rights to association, expression, freedom of speech, life, earn a living, and educate children. However, these rights are often suppressed.
• Violations: Human rights violations occur in Pakistan at both the social and state levels. These include the denial of fundamental rights, particularly in rural areas and small towns, where societal norms often override individual freedoms.
• Women’s Rights: Women face significant challenges, particularly those lacking financial independence. They often experience restricted freedom and suppressed social standing. Violence against women is also prevalent, with many cases going unreported, especially those involving poor women.
• Minority Rights: Minority communities, such as Christians and Hindus, often face discrimination and limited opportunities within Pakistani society.
• Role of the State: The state has a responsibility to ensure equal opportunities and protect the fundamental rights of all citizens. However, the influence of the military establishment and agencies often leads to a focus on control rather than upholding constitutional rights, resulting in stagnation and human rights violations.
• Mullah-Military Alliance: The presence of a “Mullah Military Ala Alliance” contributes to religious extremism and violence, further undermining human rights.
• Impact of Extremism: Religious extremism, often engineered for political purposes, has had a destructive impact on Pakistani society, leading to the denial of fundamental human rights and a closed-off atmosphere.
• International Perception: Pakistan is often viewed with suspicion by the international community due to its perceived “fanatical space,” which affects trade and international relations.
• Need for Awareness: Increased awareness is crucial for bringing about change, but the state must take the lead in promoting and enforcing human rights.
• Stagnation: A lack of a functional system and control by the establishment hinder the operation of a basic system needed to protect fundamental and human rights.
• Organic Growth: Society is not allowed to grow organically, leading to violence when engineered elements are introduced.
• Conditionality: There are varying views on whether international powers should impose conditions related to human rights when providing loans and credits to Pakistan. Some argue that such conditionality could lead to improvement, while others fear it may further restrict opportunities for Pakistani citizens.

Minority Rights Challenges and State Role in Pakistan

Minority rights in Pakistan are a significant concern, with these communities facing various challenges.

Key points regarding minority rights:

• Discrimination: Minority communities in Pakistan, such as Christians and Hindus, often face discrimination and have limited opportunities within society.
• Friendly environment: While there may be a friendly atmosphere above the general society level, these communities’ overall position needs to be revisited.
• Lack of space: There is a need to assess the job opportunities and overall space available to minorities within society.
• Role of the State: The state needs to ensure the protection of minority rights and provide equal opportunities.
• Human Rights Violations: The worst violations include those against human rights, fundamental rights, and minority rights.

Women’s Rights Issues in Pakistan

Women’s rights in Pakistan are a critical issue, with women facing numerous challenges that impede their progress and well-being.

Key points regarding women’s rights:

• Lack of Financial Independence: Due to a lack of financial independence, women in Pakistan are often far behind in various fields. Financial independence can elevate a woman’s position within her family and society.
• Suppressed Social Standing: Even in big cities, women’s financial situations are suppressed within the social fabric, hindering the freedom that men enjoy.
• Societal Expectations: Many believe that it is a woman’s job to consider herself inferior to men and to obey and serve them. These expectations are found even among common people in cities like Lahore.
• Violence Against Women: Many incidents of violence against women go unreported, especially among the poor. It is considered a basic human right for any person, male or female, to make decisions about their life, but this right is often denied to women.
• Role of the State: There is a need for the state to address these issues and ensure the protection of women’s rights.
• Constitutional Rights: The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees fundamental rights to every individual, but women’s rights are still suppressed at various places.

These factors contribute to an environment where women’s fundamental rights are frequently violated.

Political Leaders and Politics in Pakistan

Political leaders in Pakistan have played a significant role in the country’s history, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse.

Key points regarding political leaders in Pakistan:

• Use of Religion: Some political leaders, such as Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, have used religion to gain political support, which has had long-lasting consequences on the country. Bhutto included religious elements in the constitution, which hindered progressive thinking.
• Military Influence: The military establishment has significantly influenced Pakistani politics, sometimes undermining democratic processes. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto could have controlled the military establishment after 1971 but instead tried to bring in a religious section.
• Stature destruction: Political leaders have had their reputations destroyed through various means.
• Nawaz Sharif: Nawaz Sharif has been both praised for improving infrastructure and criticized. During his time, Vajpayee and Modi visited Lahore.
• Imran Khan: Imran Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by a focus on targeting political opponents and an increase in poverty. He was also called a “predator” for controlling the media and suppressing independent voices.
• Bilawal Bhutto: Bilawal Bhutto is seen as part of a major political party, but he is criticized for using vulgar slogans and lacking sophisticated thinking.
• Leaders in Jail: Doing politics in Pakistan is very risky as political leaders spend time in jail.
• Bravery: The political leaders of Pakistan are brave.
• Corruption: Corruption is prevalent, with scandals and a lack of accountability for those involved.
• Responsibility: Those responsible for destruction should be held accountable under the law.
• Democracy: Some individuals who claim to support democracy are actually evil from the inside, making them worse than military dictators.
• Public Domain: Some political figures cause havoc in the public domain.
• Popular Politics: Some political leaders are respected for their commitment to public and popular politics.
• Future Leaders: Maturity and sophisticated thinking are expected from future leaders to play a significant role on the national stage.

Overall, the history of political leaders in Pakistan is complex, with instances of both progress and setbacks, and a recurring theme of military influence and challenges to democratic norms.

Pakistan: Influence of the Military Establishment

The “establishment” in Pakistan, particularly the military establishment, wields significant influence over the country’s politics and society.

Key aspects regarding the Pakistan establishment:

• Role of the Military Establishment: The military establishment’s role often involves control rather than upholding constitutional rights, leading to stagnation and human rights violations. The establishment’s control extends to politics and politicians.
• Mullah-Military Alliance: A “Mullah Military Ala Alliance” fosters religious extremism and violence, further undermining human rights.
• Creation of Extremist Groups: The establishment has been known to create religious groups for political purposes, such as breaking the vote bank of political opponents. These engineered elements can lead to violence.
• Impact on Society: The establishment’s actions have led to a “fanatical space” perception of Pakistan, affecting international relations and trade.
• Control of Media: The establishment has been known to control the media and suppress independent voices.
• Need for Constitutional Role: For Pakistan to progress, the establishment needs to play its constitutional role and allow space for the masses to move forward freely.
• Judicial Influence: Judges have been influenced by the establishment and have escaped accountability for their actions.
• Victimization: There are calls for holding those responsible for the destruction accountable, but without victimization and under the principles of justice.
• Political Influence: The military establishment has significantly influenced Pakistani politics, sometimes undermining democratic processes. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto could have controlled the military establishment after 1971 but instead tried to bring in a religious section.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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