Pakistan Human Rights

Support Judges and Lawyers in Pakistan

Lawyers in an anti-Musharaf
demonstration  © Wally Santana/
AP/PA

Judges, lawyers and human rights activists remain forcefully silenced in Pakistan. General Musharraf continues to refuse to restore the rule of law and to reinstate the judges who were dismissed during a "State of Emergency" (November 3 to December 15 2007). Shamefully, the US government has failed thus far to use its influential position as a major provider of military aid to successfully pressure General Musharraf to revoke the damage he has caused to human rights and civil liberties. A return to full rule of law is essential for restoring democracy, human rights, and stability in Pakistan.

Law students and professionals in the US and around the world have been among the most vocal advocates on behalf of their counterparts in Pakistan. Your voice is critical to maintaining pressure on the government of Pakistan and in shifting American policy.

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Take Action:

• Urge the US Government to pressure Pakistani authorities to reinstate judges and restore the rule of law in Pakistan
• Call on the Senate and the House to speak out about ongoing harassment of judges and lawyers
• Express your outrage to Pakistani authorities over the ongoing shutdown of the independent judiciary
• Become educated about the recent developments in Pakistan and encourage others to take action

Human Rights Concerns

On November 3, 2007, a "State of Emergency" was declared in Pakistan and much of the Constitution was suspended. Within hours, hundreds of lawyers, human rights activists, and other perceived opponents of General Pervez Musharaff's government began to be arrested under provisions allowing detention without charge or trial. Courts were expressly prohibited against issuing any order against the President, Prime Minister or any person exercising powers under their authority. Lawyers opposing these measures were arrested en masse, and a number of Supreme Court and Provincial High Court justices were suspended and placed under house arrest for refusing to take an oath to uphold the new Provisional Constitution Order. Meanwhile, human rights activists have also been targeted and imprisoned, and peaceful demonstrations met with violence. All private local and international news broadcasts were suspended, and new laws impose heavy restrictions on all forms of media.

This crisis has occurred amidst longstanding concerns about human rights in Pakistan, including patterns of arbitrary detention, torture in custody, imposition of the death penalty, and abuses committed during the course of the "War on Terror." Vulnerable and marginalized groups, including women and religious minorities, have faced particular threats. As a major recipient of US military aid, Amnesty International USA has also opposed American military assistance that may contribute to these human rights violations. US assistance since 9/11/2001 has totaled about $9.6 billion, plus an additional $5.3 billion in reimbursements for assisting with US military operations in Afghanistan.
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Sisters in Struggle

In 1981 Hina Jilani co-founded the first all-female law firm in Pakistan and later established a women's legal aid program for Pakistani women, including for those seeking to divorce abusive husbands. As a result Ms. Jilani became the target of violent attacks, including the "honor killing" of a client in her office. In recognition of her work, she was appointed the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, and won a Ginetta Sagan Award from Amnesty International USA in 2000. Amnesty International has worked for many years to ensure that Ms. Jilani and others like her are able to carry out their work freely and safely.

On 3 November 2007, following the crackdown on perceived political opposition in Pakistan, a 90-day order was issued to detain her. She happened to be visiting London at the time, so managed to avoid arrest. Following outcry from Amnesty International and others, the detention order against her was lifted and she was able to return home safely.
View Hina Jilani's comments on the November 2007 Crackdown »

Ms. Jilani's sister, Dr. Asma Jahangir, was among those placed under house arrest in early November. Dr. Jahangir is Chair of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP); she has also been appointed UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, serves on the Board of Directors of the International Crisis Group, and is co-chair of South Asians for Human Rights. Following international outcry from Amnesty International and others, Dr. Jahangir was released in mid-November. Hundreds of others, however, remain under house arrest, in prison, or have "disappeared."

Your letters helped to free Dr. Jahangir.  Help other victims of the crackdown in Pakistan!

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