Human Right Laws in Pakistan

Father of the Nation Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s in his presidential address to the Constituent
Assembly of Pakistan in 1947 said the following:
“As you know, history shows that in England, conditions, some time ago, were much worse than
those prevailing in India today. The Roman Catholics and the Protestants persecuted each other.
Even now there are some States in existence where there are discriminations made and bars
imposed against a particular class. Thank God, we are not starting in those days. We are starting
in the days where there is no discrimination, no distinction between one community and another,
no discrimination between one caste or creed and another. We are starting with this fundamental
principle that we are all citizens and equal citizens of one State. “

The conditions prevailing today in Pakistan affect every individual life. If we are to improve
conditions then the law must be upheld to bring peace and security to the land and to build lives
of dignity and respect. It is duty of every individual to stand up and prevent any violations or
breaking of the law. If we are to build a better nation then familiarity with the law is also to
some degree necessary.

Listed here are the points that are covered by the constitution of Pakistan. Links are provided to
get the full detail. Please see the Violation section to determine actions you can take to ensure the law is upheld to protect your human rights.

Introduction
For the introduction to the constitution please view Preamble.
No Exploitation and Enforcement of the Law
For Elimination of Exploitation and the Right of individuals to be dealt with in accordance with
law find out more from the Introductory Articles 1 to 6

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
For The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and individual articles and their relation
to the Pakistan Constitution please view the link Chapter 1 Fundamental Rights.
The following Articles are covered in great detail. These are your Rights and supported by
the Constitution of Pakistan.

Article 8. Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of fundamental rights to be void.
Article 9. Security of person. No person shall be deprived of life or liberty save in accordance
with law.
Article 10. Safeguards as to arrest and detention.
Article 10A. Right to fair trial: For the determination of his civil rights and obligations or in any
criminal charge against him a person shall be entitled to a fair trial and due process.
Article 11. Slavery, forced labor, etc. prohibited.
Article 12. Protection against retrospective punishment.
Article 13. Protection against double punishment and self incrimination.
Article 14. Inviolability of dignity of man, etc.
Article 15. Freedom of movement, etc.
Article 16. Freedom of assembly.
Article 17. Freedom of association:
Article 18. Freedom of trade, business or profession.

Article 19. Freedom of speech, etc. Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and
expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions
imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of
Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or
morality, or in relation to contempt of court [commission of] or incitement to an offence.
Article 19A. Right to information: Every citizen shall have the right to have access to
information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions
imposed by law.

Article 20. Freedom to profess religion and to manage religious institutions.
Article 21. Safeguard against taxation for purposes of any particular religion.
Article 22. Safeguards as to educational institutions in respect of religion, etc.
Article 23. Provision as to property. Every citizen shall have the right to acquire, hold and
dispose of property in any part of Pakistan, subject to the Constitution and any reasonable
restrictions imposed by law in the public interest.
Article 24. Protection of property rights.
Article 25. Equality of citizens.
Article 26. Non-discrimination in respect of access to public places.
Article 27. Safeguard against discrimination in services.
Article 28. Preservation of language, script and culture.