Human rights in

Pakistan
What are human rights?

Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of
residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status. We are all
equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated,
interdependent and indivisible.

Universal human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law, in the forms of treaties,
customary international law, general principles and other sources of international law.
International human rights law lays down obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to
refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental
freedoms of individuals or groups.

Human Rights Violations

Before we celebrate human rights day, we should first give a thought to the innumerable
violations carried out against the same. It is very common fact for us that each and every person
is entitled to basic human rights under any kind of circumstances. Most of these human rights
include civil rights and political rights. However, one tends to forget the most fundamental
human rights to life and safety. These human rights include justice, tolerance, mutual respect
and above all human dignity. Human rights protection is a testimonial that ensures each and
every individual receives some degree of humane treatment, as well as the dignity of being
human. However, there are millions around the world, whose fundamental rights are denied, and
are treated as something less than human. They are robbed off their dignity and respect of begin
a part of the human race. This interference with an individual's right is called human rights
violation. There are many kinds, types and degrees of human rights violations. Let us see some
in the list of human rights violations in the following paragraphs.

Human rights violations includes death of innocent people due to war. A war brings suffering
and devastation, irrespective of the cause. The fundamental rights of an individual is assaulted
during a war. Torture, capture, prisoners of war, slavery, etc. are all types of human rights
violations due to war. Genocide is one of the biggest human rights violations. Genocides can
occur due to racial enmity, religious wars, or singling out an ethnic group.

Starvation, lack of medical help, lack of food, torture, human trafficking under the hands of
political lords, etc, all come under human rights violations. When the freedom to speak,
express, write, move around one's own country or city are curbed and put under restriction, it
results in human rights violations. Laws that do not allow intra-racial marriages, inter caste
marriages, same sex marriages also form violation of human rights. One cannot take away the
right to love whosoever the heart desires from an individual. There are still many human rights
violations that involve racism and skin color. Individual's are still singled out based on their
skin color, ethnicity and nationality.

On a more recognizable ground, human rights violations also include employment

discrimination, banning the rights of an individual to wear what they please, tapping of
phone calls, discrimination based on disability, etc. In some countries, women are not allowed
to be born! Yes, female infanticide is still rampant in countries like India, and its neighboring
Asian regions. There are many countries where women are not allowed a right to education,
freedom to choose the man they want to marry, and are kept as slaves rather than wives,
mothers or sisters.

One of the greatest human rights violations is the crime against women. There is no bigger
human rights violations other than rape. Women, girls, are raped and sexually tortured all
around the world. Women are forced into prostitution and sexual slavery, during war and even
during peace. There are many forced pregnancies and forced abortions carried out on women.
Sexual mutilation and sexual humiliations are human rights violations that many women
young and old have to face. And this is not just seen in barbaric, under developed, war ridden or
male dominated societies around the world. Rape and sexual exploitation of women is also
common in the so called developed and civilized countries we live in. I am sure many women
will agree there is rampant sexual harassment faced by them in their jobs, while traveling and
even made passes at, by those they think are their confidants.

Child abuse is another form of human rights violation, where children are forced and violated
physically, mentally as well as sexually. Child labor is a human rights violation that takes
away the freedom of being a child from a child. There is nothing more sinful than taking away or
denying the right to education from a child. Workers toiling under harsh conditions and not
begin paid their fair remuneration. Low wages, poor working conditions and in humane
treatment melted out are also some of the human rights violations.

A new form of human rights violation is facing the world. Terrorism is carried out in the name
of religion, just cause or a way to throw away an oppressor. There is no justifiable cause that can
support and promote killing of innocent people and destruction of hard earned property and
economy. This was a small list of human rights violations. Let us not move on to UN list of
human rights laws.

UN List of Human Rights Laws

After the end of World War II, United Nations (UN), a worldwide organization came into
existence on 24 October 1945. This organization was created by 5 nations; United Kingdom,
United States of America, the Soviet Union, France and China. These nations roped in other 47
nations around the world to safeguard the human rights of future generations from war. Over the
years more nations joined and today there are more than 191 nations a part of United Nations.
The UN proposed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. There was a committee formed
headed by Mrs. Elanor Roosevelt, who drafted a document that 'declared' the rights for every
individual in the entire cosmos. This declaration became a necessity after the World War II and
the Nazi Germany's atrocities towards Jews came into light. There probably cannot be any
human rights violation that can be compared to the large scale torture and genocide of Jews
under the hands of Nazis. The following is the preamble of Universal Declaration of Human
Rights followed by the UN list of human rights laws.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights ~ Preamble

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all
members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have
outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall
enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the
highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to

rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of
law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in
fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights
of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life
in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United
Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental
freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for
the full realization of this pledge,

Now, therefore, The General Assembly proclaims This Universal Declaration of Human
Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that
every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall
strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by
progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective
recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among
the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
Article 1
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason
and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without
distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion,
national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or

international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be
independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 4
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all
their forms.

Article 5
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article 7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the
law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this
Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 8
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts
violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Article 9
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 10
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial
tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against
him.

Article 11
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offense has the right to be presumed innocent until proved
guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his
defense.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offense on account of any act or omission which did
not constitute a penal offense, under national or international law, at the time when it was
committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time
the penal offense was committed.

Article 12
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or
correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to the
protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Article 13
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each
State.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

Article 14
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-
political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 15
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his
nationality.

Article 16
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have
the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage,
during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection
by society and the State.

Article 17
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

Article 18
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes
freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others
and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and
observance.

Article 19
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold
opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any
media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 20
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

Article 21
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through
freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right to equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be
expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and
shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Article 22
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization,
through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization
and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his
dignity and the free development of his personality.

Article 23
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable
conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favorable remuneration ensuring for himself
and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other
means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

Article 24
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and
periodic holidays with pay.

Article 25
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of
himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary
social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability,
widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether
born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Article 26
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and
fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional
education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible
to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the
strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote
 understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and
shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Article 27
(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the
arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any
scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

Article 28
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth
in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Article 29
(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his
personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations
as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for
the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public
order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and
principles of the United Nations.

Article 30
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any
right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights
and freedoms set forth herein.

Pakistan’s human rights record has dramatically improved since the reforms that took place
after the tenure of President Zia-ul-Haq in 1988. The situation of human rights in Pakistan is a
complex one, as a result of the country's diversity, large population, its status as a developing
country and a sovereign, Islamic republic as well as an Islamic democracy with a mixture of both
Islamic and colonial secular laws. The Constitution of Pakistan provides for fundamental rights,
which include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press and the right to bear
arms. These clauses are generally respected in practice. Clauses also provide for separation of
executive and judiciary, an independent judiciary and freedom of movement within the country
and abroad.

The founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah wanted Pakistan to be a moderate secular state
blended with some Islamic values and principles. No Pakistani Government has ever come up
with a detailed conclusion on what he exactly meant by this. Nevertheless, Pakistan's status as an
Islamic Republic should not be confused or compared with other Islamic Republics in the region,
such as the Islamic Republic of Iran. Unlike Iran, Pakistan is not a theocracy, but rather an
Islamic democracy where elections regularly takes place on time and are mostly free and fair.
Most of Pakistan's laws are secular in nature, most of which were inherited from the United
Kingdom's colonial rule of modern-day Pakistan before 1947. In recent times, there has been
increasing pressure on Pakistan to amend or replace some of its outdated laws made during the
time of the British Empire.

Although the government has enacted measures to counter any problems, abuses remain.
Furthermore, courts suffer from lack of funds, outside intervention, and deep case backlogs that
lead to long trial delays and lengthy pretrial detentions. Many observers inside and outside
Pakistan contend that Pakistan’s legal code is largely concerned with crime, national security,
and domestic tranquility and less with the protection of individual rights.

The 2009 Freedom in the World report by Freedom House gave Pakistan a political rights rating
of 4 (1 representing free and 7 representing not free), and a civil liberties rating of 5, earning it
the designation of partly free

Following are some organizations working on Human Rights in Pakistan:

Human Rights Organizations in Pakistan

Aahung (registered in 1995 – Health)

Its areas of operation are Sibi, Peshawar, and Gujranwala.Major projects undertaken include
Karachi Reproductive Health Project (1995-99) and AIDS Awareness Programme (1997-1999)
For further information email: krhp@cyber.net.pk

Adult Basic Education Society (registered in 1972) Education

Its areas of operation are Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Lahore. Major
projects undertaken include Non-formal Education for Girls (1998-2001) in the Gujranwala
Division and Multi grade Teaching Training (1998-2001) carried out in the Rawalpindi Division.
Further information at: http://abes.cjb.net/

Agha Khan Health Services Pakistan (est. 1924 registered in 1986)

Its areas of operation are NWFP (Mardan, Peshawar and Chitral), Punjab (Rawalpindi, Sargodha,
Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur), Sindh (Sukkur, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas,
Karachi) and Balochistan (Gawadar). Major projects undertaken with regard to women include
implementation of Family Health Program (2000) and Reproductive Health Program (2000). For
further information email: mailto:krhp@cyber.net.pk

All Pakistan Women’s Association (est. 1949, registered in 1965)

APWA is a non-political organization whose fundamental aim is to safeguard the moral, social
and economic welfare of women and children in Pakistan.
Further information at: http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.un.org.pk/unic/apwa.htm

Association for Creation of Employment (est. and registered 1997)

Its areas of operation are Hazara, Peshawar, Kohat and Bannu in the NWFP. Major projects
undertaken with regard to women include Training and Employment of Women (1997). The
thematic area for this project was business and micro credit and it was carried out in Hazara
(NWFP). Further information at: http://acepakistan.bizland.com/
Baanh Beli (established and registered 1987) (Education, health and Economic Welfare)
Its area of operation is Sindh (Mirpurkhas and Karachi). Major projects undertaken with regard
to women include Village community Development Project Nagarparkar (1992-99) which
focused on saving and credit, female education and female health care; Central Tharparkar
Village Community Development project Taluka Mithi d Diplo (1996-2000) which had female
education as a thematic area; Northern Tharparkar Village community Development Project
(1996-98) which focused on female education and Rural Karachi Ujagar Project (2000) which
focused on developing primary schools for girls and female health care.
For further information email: mnj@cyber.net.pk

Bedari (est and registered 1992)(Psychological Welfare)

Its area of operation is the federal area. Major projects undertaken with regard to women include
Crisis Counseling program, wh h focuses on domestic violence and theater performances in
villages, and the Self Growth Program for Women. For further information email:
mybedari2002@yahoo.com

Behbud Association (1970)

Its efforts are concentrated on women’s development in health, education, vocational training
and income generating schemes. Its area of operation is Sindh (Karachi). Major projects
undertaken with regard to women include Education Project (1971), Skill Training 1971),
Distress and Rehabilitation (1971), Health (1976) and Reproductive health (1985). All these
projects were carried out in Karachi. Further information at: http://xiber.com/behbud

Bunyad Literacy Community Council ( est. and registered in 1994)

Its area of operation is Punjab Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur). Major
projects undertaken with regard to women include Women Development Project (1998) carried
out in Multan/Hafizabad, and Women’s Empowerment for Poverty Alleviation (1999). Further
information at: http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.brain.net.pk/bunyad

Caritas (est. 965, registered 1980)

Its area of operation is all of Pakistan. Major projects undertaken with regard to women include
Social Awareness for Women ( 1998), Handicraft Centers for Women ( 1998) and Education for
Working Girls (1998). All these projects were carried out in Punjab (Lahore).
Further information at: http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.brain.net.pk/~caritas

De Laas Gul Welfare Program (est in 1976, registered in 1988)

Its area of operation is the NWFP (Malakand, Hazara, Mardan, Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, DI
Khan) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas ( Bajaur Agency, Mohmand Agency , Khyber
Agency). Major projects undertaken for women include Training of Rural Women in Tailoring
(1997 to date). It is being carried out in villages of Peshawar, District Swabi and Bannu.
For further information email:
http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/mailtodelaasgul@hotmail.com%20
Development Association of Youth Balochistan (est. 1994, registered 1995)
Its area of operation is Balochistan (Quetta, Sibbi). Major projects undertaken for women include
Female Reproductive health Project (1998-99) carried out in Sibi.
For further information email: rehman@day.qta.sdnpk.undp.org

Family Planning Association of Pakistan (est. 1953 registered 1965)

FPAP came into being with a commitment to responsible parenthood. Later on it enlarged its
scope to cover complete sexual and reproductive health of the whole family.
Its areas of operation are NWFP (Hazara, Peshawar, Kohat), Punjab (Sargodha, Faisalabad,
Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur), Sindh (Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Karachi),
Balochistan (Quetta, Mekran) and Islamabad. Major projects undertaken for women include
Unsafe Abortions Project (1998), Norplant Implants (1997) and Men as partners (1999).

Further information at: http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.brain.net.pk/-fpapak

Health and Nutrition Development Society (est. 1979, registered 1993)
HANDS is working along with Community Based Organizations through primary and secondary
health care, education promotion, community mobilization, gender development & micro credits
programs. Its area of operation is Sindh( S kur, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Karachi).
Further information at: http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.hands4t.com

Health Education and Literacy Trust (est. 1987 registered in 1994)

Its area of operation is all over Pakistan. Major projects undertaken for women include Female
Community development Project (1998-2000) and dian Female Health and Education Project
(1998-2000) and a case study on Impact of Literacy on Women undertaken with UNESCO in
1993.
For further information email:http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/heal@one.net.pk or
http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/healtrust-pk@yahoo.com

Kashf Foundation (est and registered in 1996)

Its area of operation is Punjab (Lahore). Kashf Foundation was inspired by the success of the
Grameen Bank in reaching out to poor women and is the first such replication of the Grameen
Bank in Pakistan Its mission is to provide cost effective and quality microfinance services to
poor women, by adding value to women’s existing economic opportunities in order to enhance
their role in economic and social decision-making.
Further information at :http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.kashf.com

Khwendo Kor – Women and Children Development Program

Its area of operation is the North Western Frontier Province (Peshawar, Karak and Dir). Major
projects undertaken for women include the Micro credit Programme( 1994) in Peshawar, and
Khajwand Project on Education health and poverty Alleviation in Karak.
For further information email: khwendokor@hotmail.com

Marie Stopes Society (est and registered in 1990)

Its area of operation is NWFP (Peshawar), Balochistan (Mekran), Punjab (Faisalabad,
Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, DG Khan) and Sindh (Sukkur, Karachi).
Major projects undertaken for women include the Reproductive Health Project being carried out
in Sukkur, Peshawar and DG Khan. For further information email: mss@cyber.net.pk

Maternity and Child Welfare Association of Pakistan (est 1961, registered 1963)
Its area of operation is NWFP (Mardan, Peshawar), Punjab (Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore and
Multan), Sindh (Larkana, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas) and Northern areas (Skardu)
Major projects undertaken for women include Male Involvement in Family Planning and
Reproductive Health undertaken in 2000 Research project on Acceptability of Contraceptives
((2000).
Further information at http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.mcwap.cjb.net

Maternity and Child Welfare Association, Sindh Chapter (est 1971 registered 1972)
Its area of operation is Sindh (Shikarpur, Khipro, Kunri, Chachro and Karachi). Major Projects
undertaken for women include Project on Teaching of Reproductive health in Schools of
Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health and a research study on evaluation Nurses Training in
Pakistan.
For further information email: mcwas@cyber%20.net.pk

Mothers Trust (est and registered in 1992)

Its area of operation is Sindh (Larkana). Major projects undertaken for women include the
establishment of a vocational school (1997), and a micro credit program (1997-98).
For further information: ph: 0741-444514

National Research and Development Foundation (est. and registered 1993)

Its area of operation is the NWFP (Malakand, Hazara, Mardan, Peshawar and Kohat). Major
projects undertaken fro women include Ulema and Women’s Rights Project (1998) undertaken in
Mansehra an Ulema and Gender Gap in Primary Education (1999) carried out in Kohat
For further information email; nrdf@psh.paknet.com or mailto:gmnrsp@isb.comsats.net.pk

National Rural Support Programme (est and registered in 1991)

Its areas of operation are Balochistan (Kech), NWFP (Malakand, Mardan), Punjab (Rawalpindi,
Khushab and Multan). D G Khan, Bahawalpur, Vehari, Lodhran), Sindh (Mirpurkhas) and
Islamabad. It offers a credit system facility.
For further information email: gmnrsp@isb.comsats.net.pk
Orangi Charitable Trust (est 1985, registered 1987)
Its area of operation is Punjab (Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Jhelum, Multan)
and Sindh (Larkana, Hyderabad, Karachi, Thatta, Badin). It offers a credit system facility.
For further information phone: 021-6685021/6665696

Organization for Participatory Development (est. and registered 1992)

Its area of operation is Punjab (Gujranwala) Major projects undertaken for women include
Maternal and Reproductive Health Project (1997-98) and Female Entrepreneurs (1999). It also
offers a micro credit facility.
For further information email: opd@paknet4.ptc.pk
Pakistan Federation of Business and Professional Women (est. 1954)
An advocacy and pressure group with a social welfare and development orientation. Concerned
to raise status (including economic status) of women by ensuring equal opportunities in
education, training, and employment. Its area of operation is NWFP (Peshawar), Punjab
(Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Lahore), Sindh (Hyderabad, Karachi), Balochistan (Quetta) and
Islamabad. Major projects undertaken for women include the establishment of a day care center
in 2000. Further information at: http://aphy.ku.edu.pk/resources/res2001/afsheen-
kamal/w_organization.htm

Pakistan Foundation Fighting Blindness (est and registered 1988)

It works for physically challenged people across Pakistan.
Major projects undertaken fro women include the Darakshan project: a resource and
rehabilitation cetre for physically challenged women. This center prvides free pick and drop
facility, free of cost provision of items of personal use such as wheel chairs and white canes;
training programs in mobility, identification of currency, vocational training (tailoring, knitting,
cooking) etc, medical care and psychological counseling for women with physical disabilities.
For further information: http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.pffb.org.pk

Pakistan Women Lawyers Association (est. 1980, registered 1981)

PAWLA is a non-government organization delivering professional legal servi s and economic
counseling to women by means of networking with legal bodies, the government, donors and
NGOs. Its area of operation is NWFP (Peshawar), Punjab (Rawalpindi), Sindh ( Karachi),
Balochistan (Quetta). Major projects undertaken for women include Legal Aid Project (1981-
2000), Jail Project (1990-2000) and Legal Awareness Project (1988-2000), and a book series
“Khawateen aur Qanoon”(Women and the Legal System)
Further information at: http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.pawla.sdnpk.org%20

Rozan (est. and registered 1998)

Its mission statement is to enhance the self-esteem of all people, especially women and children
in order to work towards a society, which is aware, confidant and accepting of itself and others.
Major projects undertaken for women include Zeest Resource Center geared towards the issue of
violence against women and psychological counseling.
Further information at: http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.rozan.org

Sungi Development Foundation (est. 1989)

Its mission statement is to bring about policy and instit ional changes by mobilizing deprived and
marginalized communities with a view to creating an environment in which communities at the
local level may be able to transform their lives through the equitable and sustainable use of
resources. Major projects undertaken for women include credit systems for poverty alleviation.
Further information at: http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.sungi.org

War Against Rape (est. in 1989 registered in 1992)

Its area of operation is Sindh (Karachi). Major projects undertaken for women include Legal Aid
to rape Victims (1998) and Counseling for Rape (1998).
For further information email: war@super.net.pk
Applied Social Research (registered in 1983)
ASR was set up in 1983 as a multidisciplinary, multidimensional group working towards socio-
political transformation. ASR’s point of departure has been to reexamine and redefine the
political and developmental processes which people themselves identify, articulate and struggle
for. For further information email: asr@brain.net.pk and asr@lhr.comsats.net.pk

Aurat Publication and Information Service Foundation (registered in 1986)

Some goals of the Foundation are to assist women to acquire greater control over knowledge,
resources, and institutions; facilitate women’s greater participation in political processes and
governance; transform social attitudes and behavior for a respons e and supportive social
environment to address women’s concerns and development; develop an enabling environment
with strong civil society organizations to support women at the community level and district
levels; undertake advocacy with public servants and public representatives for gender responsive
development planning, supportive legislation and increasing women’s access to government
services.
Major projects undertaken with regard to women include Needs Assessment Among Rural
Women in Pakistan (1997 to date); establishment of 3000 information network Centers (1996-
2002); Shelter for Women in Peshawar (1995 to date) and Strengthening the Democratic
Electoral process in Pakistan with a focus on women’s empowerment (1997-2000)
Further information at:
http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.brain.net.pk/~apisf/main.html

Simorgh- Women’s Resource and Publication Centre (est. and registered in 1985)
A woman’s resource and publication center. Simorgh is mainly concerned with women and
development and women and religion. It was formed in response to the promulgation of
retrogressive and discriminatory legislation, Simorgh¹s main focus was research on women by
women in order to free both women and men from the dominance of ideas that support social
and economic divisions on the basis of gender, class, religion, race and nationality. Its area of
operation is all over Pakistan. Major projects undertaken for women include Violence against
Women (1998) and Gender Equality and the Judiciary (1996-todate). Further information at:
http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.%20Spinifexpress.%20Com.au/fasiapub/Pakistan/s
im.htm and http://aphy.ku.edu.pk/resources/res2001/afsheen-kamal/w-organiation.htm

Shirkat Gah- Women’s Resource Centre (est. 1975)

The group was set up as a pressure cum lobby and consciousness raising group. It was later
expanded to include women’s development concerns, networking, income generating projects
and non-formal education. Some of the issues it focuses on are violence against women, work
and women’s health and environment. Its area of operation is NWFP (Peshawar), Punjab
(Faisalabad, Lahore), Sindh (Hyderabad, Karachi). Major projects undertaken for women include
Women, Law and Status: Discriminatory Customary practices Against Women (1993), Women
and Sustainable Development: Intergenerational Transfer of knowledge and reproductive health
in rural and urban areas (1992). Further information at:
ww.spinifexpress.com.au/pakistan/shirkat ah
&
http://aphy.ku.edu.pk/resources/res2001/afsheen-kamal/w-organiation.htm
Sustainable Development Policy Institute (est. and registered 1992).
SDPI’s mission is to catalyze the transition towards sustainable development, defined as the
enhancement of peace, social justice and well being, within and across generations. It is an
independent, non-profit, non-government research institute established to provide advice to
public, private and voluntary organizations, and to undertake advocacy on issues of public
interest. Its research publications on women include “Women and Local Government”,
“Language and Femin t Issues in Pakistan”, “Mohajir Women’s Sense of Identity and
Nationhood”,” Women, Work and Empowerment” and “Afghan Women and the Reproduction
of Patriarchy”.
Further information at: http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.sdpi.org

Women’s Action Forum (est. -)

Strictly speaking this is not an NGO, but a network, which is run by a working committee. It acts
as a pressure group, holds demonstrations and collaborates with NGOs on issues related to
women in Pakistan. Further information at:
http://aphy.ku.edu.pk/resources/res2001/afsheen-kamal/w_organization.htm

Citizen’s Commission for Human Development (1985)

CCHD is a development organization with multi-sectoral programmes, to achieve and improve
the current development goal s towards poverty alleviation, empowerment of the disadvantaged,
human and civic ecology and sustainability both in the urban and rural settings.
Further information at: www.crm.sdnpk.org/pngo/cchd.htm

The Network for Consumer Protection (1992)

Mission Statement: To protect and promote the interest of all Pakistani consumers: by educating
them about their rights; by providing them independent information about goods and services;
and by informing them about government’s performance as protector of their rights, especially
the poor consumers. To promote the interest of consumers by facilitating their organization and
by advocating for pro-consumer policies that also address structural inequities. The organization
also promotes responsible and sustainable consumption practices in society, as well as the
development of alternative systems.
Further information available at:
http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.the%20network.org.pk

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (1986)

Mandate includes work for the ratification and implementation by Pakistan of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and of other related Charters, Covenants, Protocols, Resolutions,
Recommendations and internationally adopted norms; to promote studies in the field of human
rights and mobilize public opinion in favor of accepted norms through all available media and
forums, and to carry out every category of activity to further the cause;
Further information available at: http://www.sdpi.org/know_your_rights/www.hrcp-web.org
 Human Rights Commission of

Pakistan
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (Urdu: ), or HRCP, is an
independent, non-profit organization, founded in 1987, which is not associated or affiliated with
the government or any political party. It is committed to act with impartiality and objectivity in
all matters. Among its main aims is spreading awareness of human rights among the people,
mobilizing public opinion, collecting information and disseminating knowledge about human
rights abuses, and to monitor and defend human rights in Pakistan.

It describes its aims as:

To work for the ratification and implementation by Pakistan of the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights and of other related Charters, Covenants, Protocols,
Resolutions, Recommendations and internationally adopted norms;

To promote studies in the field of human rights and mobilize public opinion in
favor of accepted norms through all available media and forums, and to carry out
every category of activity to further the cause;

To cooperate with and aid national and international groups, organizations and
individuals engaged in the promotion of human rights and to participate in
meetings and congresses on human rights at home and abroad;

To take appropriate action to prevent violations of human rights and to provide

legal aid and other assistance to victims of those violations and to individuals and
groups striving to protect human rights.

Among issues it has covered are women's rights, including the rights of women accused of rape
under the Hudood Ordinances and honor killings, use of bonded labor, restrictions on press
freedom, freedom of religion, freedom of movement, police excesses, religiously-inspired
violence and Canada's false labeling of 24 students as terrorists. The commission is a member
organization of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA).