Human Rights on Hold: The State’s Neglect of Women and Children

In recent days, Pakistan has witnessed a disturbing surge in crimes against women and children, arguably the most vulnerable segments of society. Despite the urgency of the issue, the state’s response remains inadequate. The tragic realities on the ground speak volumes about the inefficacy of institutions meant to safeguard human rights. Pakistan ranks 148th on the Global Gender Gap Index, an alarming statistic that lays bare the systemic marginalisation of women. This data point is not just a number; it reflects a society where women are increasingly unsafe, unheard, and unprotected.

Recent events underscore the crisis. The horrific honour killing of a couple in Balochistan, a woman who was allegedly set on fire by her husband and father-in-law, a 19-year-old woman in Karachi died after two weeks in a coma, allegedly following torture, marital rape and sexual violence by her husband and the physical abuse of a 14-year-old boy at an unregistered madrassah in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have once again exposed the gaps in our institutional frameworks. The very bodies that were created to protect the rights of women and children, such as the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the National Commission on the Rights of the Child, appear to be faltering in their roles.

One of the key reasons behind the inefficiency of human rights institutions is the lack of adequate financial support. Many of these bodies either receive no substantial budget or are allocated such minimal funds that they struggle to operate effectively. For example, in Pakistan’s federal budget for 2025–26, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) received no direct funding, while the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) was granted only a token allocation under the Ministry of Human Rights. This persistent underfunding reflects a troubling reality: human rights protection remains low on the government’s list of priorities.

Human rights and child protection commissions in Pakistan are severely hindered by persistent underfunding, limiting their ability to carry out vital functions such as staffing, investigations, legal assistance, awareness campaigns, and the implementation of protection programs. The lack of adequate financial resources restricts their capacity to conduct fieldwork, provide legal aid, raise public awareness, and engage with national and international partners. This financial shortfall directly impacts their effectiveness in addressing issues like gender-based violence, child abuse, and the marginalisation of vulnerable communities.

In today’s world, where social media magnifies injustices in real time, the government can no longer afford to turn a blind eye. Each incident that gains public attention chips away at Pakistan’s credibility and reinforces the perception that the state is either unwilling or unable to protect its most vulnerable citizens. This inaction is not just a domestic failing; it is an international embarrassment. As a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), Pakistan is legally and morally bound to protect the rights of women and children. Ignoring these obligations not only tarnishes the country’s global image but also undermines its diplomatic relations with international partners and organisations. For instance, in 2020, Pakistan's report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women 2020 highlighted serious concerns by international experts about gender-based violence, forced marriages, and honour killings. The Committee voiced regret over the absence of a unified national policy on women's rights. They raised particular concern that the devolution of responsibility to the provinces has led to a scattered and uneven implementation of the Convention’s policies and programs across the country. This scrutiny from the UN indicated international pressure on Pakistan to improve its human rights record, which influenced Pakistan's diplomatic engagement at the UN and related international forums. Yet, even after drafting the necessary policies, the government has fallen short in providing sufficient financial resources to the relevant departments, severely hindering effective implementation.

It is high time for Pakistan to move beyond rhetoric. Protecting women and children is not merely a matter of international compliance; it is a question of national integrity and moral responsibility. If we are to call ourselves a civilised society, we must ensure that our institutions are empowered, our laws are enforced, and our commitment to human rights is unwavering. The government must treat the rights and interests of vulnerable communities, particularly women and children, as a matter of urgent priority. This includes allocating sufficient and sustained funding to the relevant commissions and departments, enabling them to function effectively and in close coordination with law enforcement agencies. Only through such comprehensive and committed action can we begin to mitigate the rising tide of rights violations and move towards a more just and humane society.