"DIRE. That’s the word the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan uses to describe the state of human rights in our count…"

"Not surprisingly, initiatives to criminalise disappearances are stalled. The thing is, you only silence critics when …"

"Our country's healthcare spending is less than one per cent of GDP, even though the WHO recommends 6pc. And only 4pc …"

"The report also focuses on failings of our criminal justice system, an issue so endemic that we take it for granted r…"

"In light of the pandemic, the plight of prisoners is particularly relevant. Pakistan's prisons are appallingly overcr…"

"Only up to 3pc of Pakistan's is unionised, and there are few opportunities for for fair wages or safe working conditi…"

"Upholding human rights should underpin all policymaking. The challenges the report identifies will take years to addr…"

"Those closest, and so most accountable, to the people are best positioned to protect their rights."

"Just as Medina had provided a base for the eventual victory of Islam in Arabia, Pakistan would pave the way for the t…"

"In my childhood, the traditional ulema [clerics] – who are so powerful today – were regarded as rather quaint objects…"