CSS Interview Preparation – Human Rights & Related Topics
1. Human Rights
Overview: Human rights are inalienable moral principles guaranteed to every individual regardless
of race, religion, caste, or gender. They include right to life, dignity, equality, freedom of expression,
education, fair trial, protection from slavery/torture.
Islamic Perspective: Quran: 'We have certainly honored the children of Adam' (17:70). Concept of
Haquq al-Ibad. Charter of Medina safeguarded rights of all citizens.
Constitutional Basis (Pakistan): Articles 8–28 of the Constitution guarantee fundamental rights.
Institutions like National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR).
International Framework: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948). Geneva
Conventions (1864–1949).
Facts & Figures: Pakistan ratified ICCPR in 2010. Human Rights Watch 2024: Pakistan scored
4.6/10 on rights index.
Challenges: Weak enforcement, political instability, discrimination against women and minorities.
Way Forward: Strengthen institutions, judicial reforms, align with international treaties.
Likely Questions: Difference between Fundamental Rights & Human Rights? How does Islam
strengthen human rights compared to the West?
2. Rights & Status of Women
Overview: Women constitute 49% of Pakistan’s population. Islam granted unprecedented rights
when other civilizations marginalized women.
Islamic Perspective: Quran: 'O mankind, fear your Lord who created you from one soul and
created from it its mate' (4:1). Prophet: 'The best of you are those who treat their wives best.'
Constitutional & Legal: Articles 25–27 guarantee equality before law. Women Protection Act
(2006). 17% reserved seats in assemblies.
International: Pakistan signatory to CEDAW. Ranked 142/146 on Gender Inequality Index 2023.
Challenges: Low literacy (48%), domestic violence, wage gap, limited participation.
Way Forward: Economic empowerment (Akhuwat model), legal protections, awareness
campaigns.
Likely Questions: Compare women’s rights in Islam vs. West. Why does Pakistan lag despite
Islamic teachings?
3. Rights of Minorities
Overview: Minorities form 3.7% of population (Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Kalash, Parsis).
Islamic Perspective: Quran: 'There is no compulsion in religion' (2:256). Charter of Medina
ensured coexistence.
Constitutional Guarantees: Article 20: Freedom of religion. Article 36: Safeguard rights of
minorities. Reserved seats in assemblies.
International: UN Minority Rights Declaration 1992.
Challenges: Forced conversions, attacks on places of worship, discrimination.
Way Forward: Strict enforcement against forced conversions, political representation, interfaith
harmony programs.
Likely Questions: How can Pakistan ensure minority protection under Islam? What steps did
Quaid-e-Azam take for minorities?
4. Freedom of Speech
Overview: Article 19: Right to freedom of speech subject to reasonable restrictions.
Islamic Perspective: Truth encouraged, slander prohibited. Hadith: 'Speak the truth even if it is
bitter.'
International: UDHR Article 19. European Convention on Human Rights Article 10.
Challenges: Media censorship, misuse of blasphemy laws, social media bans.
Facts & Figures: Pakistan ranked 150/180 in 2024 Press Freedom Index.
Way Forward: Balance between freedom & responsibility, independent regulation, amend
misuse-prone laws.
Likely Questions: Is freedom of speech absolute? How to balance between free speech and
religion?
5. Transgender Rights (Bill 2022)
Overview: Transgender Persons Act allows recognition of self-perceived gender identity.
Legal Framework: Right to change gender on CNIC/passport. Equal access to education,
healthcare, jobs. Prohibits forced begging.
Constitutional Backing: Article 25: Equality. Article 27: No discrimination in services.
Challenges: Social stigma, low literacy (<20%), unemployment, healthcare neglect.
Facts: 300k–500k transgender persons in Pakistan. Life expectancy ~50 years.
Way Forward: Skill development, job quotas, social awareness campaigns, enforcement of 2022
law.
Likely Questions: How does the 2022 Act align with Islam? What steps should govt take for
integration?
