Amnesty Flags Rising Curbs on Civil Liberties in Pakistan, Cites Crackdown on Dissent

Global rights watchdog Amnesty International has flagged growing restrictions on civil liberties in Pakistan, citing curbs on free speech, peaceful assembly and political activity. According to Amnesty International annual report, changes to laws related to online speech and anti-terror activities have led to arrests of journalists, activists and opposition figures, and warned that authorities are increasingly using cybercrime and security laws to silence dissent. The report also raised concerns over enforced disappearances, saying protests in Balochistan and Sindh were suppressed. It said Pakistan’s 27th constitutional amendment weakened judicial independence and expanded immunity for top state offices, while censorship and internet restrictions have intensified, including alleged arbitrary online shutdowns.