US voices concern over human rights 'violations' in Pakistan

The United States (US) has raised concerns over human rights ‘violations’ in Pakistan in its annual 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

The State Department’s report highlights restrictions on freedom of expression and media in Pakistan and the torture of journalists.

In 2022, Pakistan’s renowned journalist Arshad Sharif had to leave the country after the registration of cases and later he was assassinated in Kenya, the report said.

Following the assassination of Arshad Sharif in Nairobi, Pakistani Premier Shehbaz Sharif ordered probe into the matter, The killing was widely condemned by the people of Pakistan, the report said.

Read more: Mustafa Nawaz lambasts ‘human rights violation’ in Pakistan

On August 9, the transmission of ARY News was taken down by PEMRA on the orders of the government. Furthermore, several journalists including Imran Riaz, Sabir Shakir, Arshad Sharif and others were ‘harassed’ over criticising the incumbent government, the report said.

“There was a lack of government accountability, and abuses, including corruption and misconduct, often went unpunished, fostering a culture of impunity among perpetrators.

As per the State Department’s assessment “physical violence, inhumane treatment and illegal invasion of people’s privacy was reported in Pakistan in 2022”.

“The law provides for freedom of expression, including for members of the press, but constitutional restrictions exist,” the report stated.