HRCP report.

FOR far too many, life is a series of insurmountable challenges that prevent a full realisation of individual potential. In its latest annual flagship report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has again shone an unflinching light on the slew of injustices visited upon society's most vulnerable citizens. The fact is, Pakistan continues to fall short in protecting women, children, members of religious minorities, etc. Instead of strengthening institutions and implementing rights-based legislation, the state tends to respond reactively to isolated incidents, that is, if they provoke a certain level of public outrage. Such an approach does not facilitate systemic change. Sadly, human rights do not figure at the top of the state's priorities. Consider that the National Commission for Human Rights is lying dysfunctional since last May. That said, in a departure from the past, the government has not rejected its contents out of hand. While listing some of its achievements in the human rights arena, it has candidly acknowledged that rights violations in several respects remain unacceptably high.

Archaic notions of honour continue to fuel all manner of violence against women, and prevent their unfettered access to health, education and employment. Pro-women legislation has been on the statute books for years now, but the centre and provinces have shown...

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