National Unity
National Unity: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan released a troubling report on human rights in Pakistan. The report says civic space shrank in 2025. It also says judicial independence weakened and insecurity increased. The commission recorded many new cases of missing persons.
Freedom Under Pressure
Authorities found some people in prisons and detention centres. However, many people still remain missing. New legal changes gave law enforcement agencies more power. They can now detain citizens for long periods without charges or court review. This raises serious concerns about basic rights and justice.
Government leaders said they support press freedom. At the same time, journalists faced growing pressure. Media groups reported threats, violence, legal cases, and online harassment. Some journalists also faced kidnappings and attacks. Authorities used cybercrime and anti-terror laws against reporters and activists. These actions created fear in the media community. As a result, many journalists started censoring themselves.
Voices of Resistance
Human rights activists and public figures strongly criticized these actions. They said the state should protect criticism, not silence it. They warned that long detentions and legal pressure damage democracy. Media organisations also said journalists now face physical, legal, and digital threats. These threats make honest reporting more difficult.
Restoring Trust
A wide gap now exists between rulers and citizens. Political division and mistrust continue to grow. People often judge others too quickly. Many refuse to listen to different opinions. This weakens dialogue and cooperation. It also makes solving national problems harder. Fear and anger then create even more division.
Pakistan needs open discussion and mutual respect. Leaders must understand the struggles of ordinary people. Citizens must also listen to each other with honesty and empathy. The country can rebuild trust through dialogue, justice, and compromise. Strong trust can help build a stronger society.
Published in Dawn, 13th May 2026
