National Assembly

Standing Committee on
Human Rights
(NASCHR)

MUN GUIDE
Introduction

The National Assembly Standing Committee on

Human Rights is tasked with overseeing and
addressing issues related to human rights in Pakistan,
focusing on ensuring the protection, promotion, and
enforcement of fundamental human rights across the
country. This includes monitoring, reporting, and
recommending legislation on issues impacting
vulnerable populations, including women, children,
and minorities
TOPIC 1

Women's Rights Violations in Pakistan

Introduction
In this session, the Committee will focus on women's rights
violations in Pakistan. Despite progress in legal frameworks,
significant barriers remain that prevent women from fully
realizing their rights. Issues such as gender-based violence,
discriminatory cultural practices, and limited access to
education, healthcare, and economic opportunities continue
to affect Pakistani women. The Committee will assess the
current situation, review existing protections and laws, and
consider new strategies to advance women’s rights and
address systemic violations.

Women’s rights violations in Pakistan constitute a pressing

human rights issue, affecting millions of women and girls
across various social, economic, and cultural contexts. Women
in Pakistan face systemic discrimination and violence, often
rooted in deep-seated cultural practices and reinforced by
limited access to legal and social protections. This session will
address the spectrum of rights violations faced by women in
Pakistan and explore the necessary policy reforms, legislative
changes, and awareness campaigns needed to promote gender
equality and women’s rights in the country.
Key Issues

Gender-Based Violence:
Examining the prevalence of violence against women, including
domestic violence, honor killings, and harassment.

Legal Protections and Enforcement:

Reviewing the effectiveness of current laws aimed at protecting
women’s rights and assessing gaps in enforcement.

Access to Education and Employment:

Addressing barriers to women’s education and economic
participation.

Health and Reproductive Rights:

Ensuring access to healthcare and reproductive rights for
women across Pakistan.

Cultural and Social Barriers:

Addressing discriminatory practices and norms that impede
women’s rights and social status.
History and Background

Definition and Scope of Women’s Rights Violations

Women’s rights violations in Pakistan encompass a wide range
of issues, including but not limited to:
Gender-Based Violence: Physical, emotional, and
psychological abuse, including domestic violence, sexual
harassment, honor killings, and acid attacks.
Discrimination in Education and Employment: Limited
access to quality education and discrimination in hiring and
workplace conditions.
Limited Health Rights: Lack of access to essential health
services, including maternal healthcare and reproductive
rights.
Social and Cultural Discrimination: Harmful practices such
as forced marriages, child marriages, and restricted mobility.

Historical Development
1970s-1980s: Implementation of the Hudood Ordinances,
which imposed severe restrictions on women’s rights and
freedoms, leading to increased activism and awareness.
1990s-2000s: Increased advocacy for women’s rights, with
civil society and international organizations raising
awareness and demanding reforms.
2010s-Present: Passage of key legislation, including the
Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act and
Domestic Violence Acts in various provinces. Despite
progress, enforcement remains inconsistent, and cultural
barriers continue to hinder women’s rights.
Current Situation

Prevalence of Women’s Rights Violations

Women in Pakistan face numerous forms of rights violations
across the country, particularly in rural and conservative areas.
Common issues include:
Domestic and Gender-Based Violence: Reports indicate
high rates of domestic violence, honor killings, acid attacks,
and harassment.
Educational Disparities: Girls and women, particularly in
rural areas, have lower literacy rates and limited access to
quality education.
Economic Inequality: Women face high barriers to
employment, wage discrimination, and limited access to
financial independence.

Key Incidents and Statistics

2021: The Ministry of Human Rights reported an increase
in cases of gender-based violence during the COVID-19
pandemic.
2022: Reports indicated that nearly 32% of women in
Pakistan have experienced some form of intimate partner
violence.
Ongoing: Child marriages remain a concern, with
conservative estimates suggesting that up to 21% of girls are
married before the age of 18.
National and International Response

Pakistan’s Legislative and Policy Response

The Government of Pakistan has taken steps to address
women’s rights violations through laws and policies, including:
Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act:
Criminalizes practices such as honor killings and acid
attacks.
Domestic Violence Laws: Implemented in various
provinces, providing legal recourse for survivors of
domestic violence.
Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act: Prohibits forced
marriages and deprivation of women’s inheritance rights.

International Response and Agreements

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Pakistan is a
signatory and has committed to eliminating discrimination
against women.
International NGOs and Human Rights Organizations:
Organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty
International, and UN Women have continuously
advocated for gender equality in Pakistan and supported
programs aimed at empowering women and protecting
their rights.

Civil Society Initiatives

Numerous Pakistani NGOs, including the Aurat
Foundation and Women’s Action Forum, work actively to
raise awareness about women’s rights, provide support for
victims of violence, and lobby for stronger protections and
enforcement.
Implications for the Economy and Society

Social and Cultural Implications

Family and Community Dynamics: Gender-based
violence and discrimination often lead to destabilized
family units, with long-term impacts on children and
community well-being.
Social Stigmatization: Victims of violence and
discrimination often face stigma, limiting their access to
justice and recovery.

Economic Impact
Economic Participation: Gender inequality in
employment reduces national productivity, limiting
Pakistan’s economic growth potential.
Healthcare Costs: Gender-based violence contributes to
higher healthcare costs, impacting public health resources
and women’s physical and mental health.

Human Rights Concerns

Lack of Accountability: Weak enforcement of laws against
gender-based violence undermines human rights
protections.
International Reputation: Persistent violations of women’s
rights impact Pakistan’s global image and its commitments
to international human rights standards.
Possible Solutions and Future Scenarios

Legal and Policy Reforms

Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Enacting comprehensive
federal legislation on domestic violence, child marriage, and
workplace harassment to ensure uniform protections across
all provinces.
Improving Law Enforcement: Training police and judicial
officials to handle cases of gender-based violence sensitively
and efficiently.

Social Awareness and Education Programs

Public Awareness Campaigns: Conducting campaigns to
change societal attitudes toward women’s rights,
emphasizing the importance of gender equality.
Educational Reforms: Promoting gender-sensitive
education in schools to foster awareness and respect for
women’s rights from a young age.

Economic and Social Support Systems

Economic Empowerment Initiatives: Creating programs
that provide vocational training, microfinance, and
employment opportunities for women, particularly in rural
areas.
Support Services for Survivors: Expanding access to
shelters, counseling, and legal aid for survivors of violence.

International and Diplomatic Engagement

Engaging with International Organizations: Collaborating
with entities like UN Women to support gender equality
programs and bring international expertise.
Advocacy for Global Support: Encouraging international
support for women’s rights initiatives in Pakistan to address
funding gaps and boost capacity building.
Bloc Positions

Government of Pakistan:
Committed to addressing women’s rights issues through
legislative reforms but faces challenges in enforcement due to
cultural resistance and resource limitations.

Civil Society and NGOs:

Actively advocate for women’s rights, calling for stronger
enforcement of existing laws and more comprehensive
protections.

Religious and Conservative Groups:

Some factions resist reforms perceived as contrary to
traditional values, favoring community-based solutions over
legislative interventions.

International Community:
Encourages Pakistan to fulfill its commitments to international
human rights treaties, offering support for gender equality
initiatives.
Further Reading and Resources

Government Reports:
Annual reports from Pakistan’s Ministry of Human Rights and
Women’s Development Department.

International Documents:
CEDAW reports on Pakistan’s progress and compliance, along
with recommendations for further action.

NGO Publications:
Reports by Human Rights Watch, Aurat Foundation, and
Women’s Action Forum.

Academic Journals:
Articles in “Journal of South Asian Development” and “Gender
and Society” addressing gender issues in Pakistan.

Books:
"Invisible Women: Rights and Reality in Pakistan" by Shazia
Chaudhry and "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into
Opportunity for Women Worldwide" by Nicholas Kristof and
Sheryl WuDunn.
TOPIC 2

Strengthening Legal Frameworks and

Enforcement Mechanisms to Protect
Minority Rights

Introduction
This session focuses on strengthening legal frameworks and
enforcement mechanisms to protect minority rights in Pakistan.
The agenda reflects a commitment to addressing systemic
issues, such as discrimination, lack of representation, and
targeted violence faced by minority groups. The Committee
will explore comprehensive measures to reinforce legislative
protections and improve implementation practices that uphold
minority rights.

Minority rights in Pakistan represent a crucial component of

human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan and
various international treaties. Despite constitutional protections,
minorities in Pakistan—including religious groups like Hindus,
Christians, Sikhs, and others—face significant challenges, such
as discrimination, social exclusion, forced conversions, and
violence. Strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement
mechanisms is essential to ensuring that minority rights are
protected, promoting social cohesion, and demonstrating
Pakistan’s commitment to human rights on a global stage.
Key Issues

Reviewing Existing Legal Protections:

Evaluating current laws that safeguard minority rights and
identifying gaps.

Improving Enforcement Mechanisms:

Strengthening the capacity of law enforcement to address and
prevent crimes against minority groups.

Combating Hate Speech and Discrimination:

Addressing hate speech, social stigmatization, and
discrimination that undermine the safety and dignity of
minority communities.

Protecting Religious Freedom and Cultural Rights:

Ensuring that minority groups have the freedom to practice
their faith and preserve their cultural identities.

Increasing Representation and Inclusion:

Enhancing minority representation in governmental and public
institutions to foster inclusivity.
History and Background

Definition and Scope of Minority Rights

Minority rights encompass the rights of religious, ethnic, and
linguistic groups to practice their beliefs, preserve their
cultural heritage, and participate equally in society. In
Pakistan, minorities often face specific challenges, including:
Religious Discrimination: Prejudicial treatment or
exclusion based on religious beliefs.
Targeted Violence and Hate Crimes: Acts of violence,
intimidation, and harassment against minority groups.
Social and Economic Marginalization: Limited access to
education, employment, and economic resources.
Forced Conversions and Abductions: Incidents involving
the forced conversion of minority women and children to
the majority religion.

Historical Development
1947–1970s: Pakistan’s Constitution established equal rights
for all citizens, with guarantees for religious freedom and
non-discrimination.
1980s–1990s: Legal developments, including blasphemy
laws, created increased vulnerability for minorities, often
leading to misuse and targeting of religious communities.
2000s–Present: Legislative steps, such as the
establishment of National Minorities Commissions, have
aimed to address minority rights, but issues of
enforcement and systemic bias remain.
Current Situation

Challenges Facing Minority Communities

In recent years, minority communities in Pakistan have
continued to face significant obstacles, including:
Violence and Threats: Targeted attacks, particularly
against religious minorities, have raised concerns over
safety and protection.
Social Exclusion: Many minority communities face social
stigma and are marginalized from mainstream society.
Discriminatory Laws and Practices: Certain legal
frameworks and social practices perpetuate discrimination
against minorities, including blasphemy laws that are often
misused to harass individuals.

Key Incidents and Statistics

2020: High-profile cases of forced conversions sparked
protests and calls for stricter protections.
2021: Reports indicate over 30 incidents of violence against
places of worship belonging to minority communities.
Ongoing: Persistent issues with hate speech and online
harassment of minorities, often going unpunished.
National and International Response

Pakistan’s Legislative and Policy Response

The Government of Pakistan has implemented various
policies and laws to protect minority rights, including:
Constitutional Provisions: The Constitution guarantees
religious freedom and equal rights to all citizens,
providing a legal foundation for minority rights.
National Minorities Commission: Established to oversee
issues related to minority rights, though its efficacy has
often been questioned due to lack of enforcement power.
Protection of Religious Minorities Act (proposed): Calls
for legal protections against forced conversions and
violence targeting minority communities.

International Agreements and Monitoring

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Pakistan is a
signatory, committing to upholding the rights of all
individuals, including minorities.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR): Ratified by Pakistan, reinforcing commitments
to protect minority rights.
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): The
UNHRC regularly reviews Pakistan’s human rights
practices, including issues facing minority groups.

Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations

Local NGOs and international organizations, such as the
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and Amnesty
International, work to highlight minority rights issues,
provide support for affected individuals, and advocate for
stronger protections and enforcement.
Implications for the Economy and Society

Social and Cultural Implications

Increased Tension and Division: Discrimination against
minorities fosters social division, impacting national
unity and community cohesion.
Human Rights Violations: Violations against minority
rights contribute to an environment where human
rights are undermined, affecting society’s overall well-
being.

Economic Impact
Reduced Economic Participation: Minority
communities often face economic disadvantages due to
discrimination, limiting their ability to contribute to
Pakistan’s economy.
Impact on Foreign Relations: Failure to protect
minority rights can impact Pakistan’s relationships with
international partners and its image globally.

National Security Concerns

Increased Vulnerability: Marginalization of minorities
can create internal security challenges, leading to unrest
and potential radicalization.
International Repercussions: Pakistan’s global
reputation on human rights affects its standing in
international forums and may impact trade and
diplomatic relations.
Possible Solutions and Future Scenarios

Legal and Policy Reforms

Strengthening Legislation: Enacting and enforcing laws that
specifically address hate crimes, forced conversions, and
discrimination.
Revising Blasphemy Laws: Introducing safeguards to prevent
misuse of blasphemy laws, which disproportionately affect
minority communities.
Anti-Discrimination Policies: Implementing policies across all
sectors to prevent discrimination against minorities in
education, employment, and public services.

Enhancing Law Enforcement and Judicial Capacity

Training Programs: Developing training programs for law
enforcement on handling minority rights cases sensitively and
effectively.
Judicial Reforms: Establishing specialized courts or fast-tracking
cases involving minority rights to ensure timely justice.

Public Awareness and Educational Programs

Promoting Tolerance and Inclusivity: Implementing
educational reforms that promote inclusivity and tolerance
across all social groups.
Media and Public Campaigns: Launching campaigns to combat
hate speech and stereotypes, fostering respect for diversity in
society.

International and Diplomatic Engagement

Collaboration with International Organizations: Working with
entities such as the UN and international NGOs to support
minority rights initiatives.
Advocacy for Global Support: Seeking international assistance
for capacity-building programs focused on minority protections
and community development.
Bloc Positions

Government of Pakistan:
Generally committed to minority rights, with ongoing efforts
to improve legal protections, though facing challenges in
enforcement.

Minority Advocacy Groups and NGOs:

Actively pushing for reforms, emphasizing the need for
concrete actions to address violence and discrimination
against minorities.

Religious and Conservative Factions:

Some factions may resist reforms, advocating for traditional
practices, though moderate voices within these groups support
tolerance.

International Community:
Urges Pakistan to strengthen protections for minorities and
frequently calls for legislative and enforcement improvements
to ensure minority rights.
Further Reading and Resources

Government Reports:
Reports by Pakistan’s Ministry of Human Rights and National
Commission for Minorities.

International Documents:
UNHRC reviews, reports from the Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

NGO Publications:
Reports by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan,
Minority Rights Group, and Amnesty International.

Academic Journals:
Articles in the “Journal of International Minority and Group
Rights” and “Asian Journal of Comparative Politics” examining
minority rights issues in Pakistan.

Books:
"Religious Minorities in Pakistan: Struggles for Equality" by
Farahnaz Ispahani and "Rights and Wrongs: How Minorities
Are Treated in South Asia" by Chetan Bhatt.