Suppression of Political Freedoms and Civil Liberties in Pakistan

Erosion of Democracy and Political Rights

Since the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in April 2022, Pakistan has witnessed a dramatic decline in political freedoms. This period has been marked by severe censorship, violent crackdowns on dissent, and widespread repression often linked to military influence over civil governance. The country has experienced a shrinking space for democratic activism, where citizens’ fundamental rights to express opinions and participate in politics have been increasingly curtailed.

Peaceful pro-democracy supporters—including women, children, and the elderly—have been subjected to tear gas, physical violence, and arbitrary mass arrests during demonstrations. Political activists and party supporters have faced abductions, torture, and intimidation. Media outlets reporting on opposition activities, particularly rallies organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have been censored or banned. These actions reflect an alarming pattern of state-led suppression aimed at stifling dissent and silencing critics.

Supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan remove tear gas shell fired by police to disperse them during a protest against the arrest of their leader, in Lahore, Pakistan, May 10, 2023.

The 9 May 2023 Crackdown

One of the most notorious instances of state repression occurred on 9 May 2023, following the arrest of Imran Khan. Nationwide protests erupted, and the state responded with excessive force. More than 10,000 activists were detained, dozens were killed, and internet services were completely suspended to prevent communication and organization. Political offices were raided, and PTI workers were often arrested without evidence or access to due process.

Case Study: Bilal “Zille” Shah

Bilal Shah, affectionately known as “Zille Shah,” was a 40-year-old peaceful protester from Lahore with learning difficulties. Arrested on 3 March 2023, he was brutally tortured in custody. A post-mortem revealed injuries on over 36 parts of his body. His death, initially misreported as a road accident, highlights the lack of transparency and accountability in cases of custodial abuse.

Attacks on Journalists and Extrajudicial Killings

Journalists have also faced targeted harassment, abductions, and even murder. Investigative journalist Arshad Sharif, a critic of military overreach, fled Pakistan after receiving multiple death threats. He was shot dead under suspicious circumstances in Kenya on 23 October 2022. International organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), have called for transparent investigations, citing strong evidence suggesting extrajudicial involvement.

Digital Censorship and Online Repression
Freedom of expression online is increasingly under threat. Court orders in Pakistan have targeted YouTube channels critical of the government, including those of PTI and independent journalists, citing “intimidating and derogatory content against state institutions.” Such actions represent a serious violation of free speech and a growing reliance on digital censorship to suppress dissent.

Suppression of Minority Voices
Ethnic and political minorities, particularly the Baloch community, face heightened restrictions on free expression. Activists like Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sabiha Baloch have endured harassment, arbitrary arrests, and travel bans due to their advocacy against enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Dr. Baloch was barred from attending a TIME100 event in New York in 2024 and later arrested during a peaceful protest in Quetta in March 2025.

Summary
The systematic suppression of political opposition, journalists, and minority activists in Pakistan demonstrates a profound crisis in civil liberties. From violent crackdowns on protesters to extrajudicial killings and online censorship, the right to free expression, assembly, and political participation remains under severe threat.

Journalist Arshad Sharif

PTI activist Zille Shah