In its latest report, The State of the World’s Human Rights 2026, the global human rights organization Amnesty International has said that there has been a significant decline in civil liberties in Pakistan over the past year.
According to the report, increasing state control over digital space, the widespread use of security laws to suppress dissent, and pressure on political and social activists have severely affected freedom of expression and assembly.
According to Amnesty, the authorities have made extensive use of cybercrime and anti-terrorism laws to restrict freedom of expression.
The report says that journalists, activists and opposition members who expressed themselves on social media were arrested. Online content was censored. Internet services were suspended on several occasions.
The report particularly criticized the amendments made to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
According to Amnesty:
New crimes were introduced in the name of “false and fabricated information”. Powers to monitor and control online content were increased. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority blocked websites and social media platforms. Incidents of internet shutdowns were reported, especially in Balochistan.
The report cited cases against human rights activists Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chhatta, saying that legal actions over social media posts raised serious concerns.
According to Amnesty, financial pressure was exerted on the media by blocking state advertisements. Critical voices were targeted. The use of PECA and anti-terrorism laws increased.
The report mentioned the 27th Amendment to the Pakistani constitution, saying that it affected the independence of the higher judiciary. Powerful positions were given broad immunity. Questions were raised about the accountability system.
According to the report, pressure was also seen to increase in the political arena, especially in the key points of the actions against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, more than 100 leaders and activists were sentenced in cases related to the events of May 9, 2023. Those sentenced include Omar Ayub Khan, Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul, Khadija Shah.
The report also mentioned the imprisonment of Imran Khan, which Amnesty described as “politically motivated cases”.
According to the organization, he was kept in solitary confinement. Access to lawyers and family was limited.
According to Amnesty International, the period 2025-26 proved to be a difficult year for civil liberties in Pakistan, where expression of opinion was restricted. Digital surveillance increased. Pressure on political and social activists increased.
The report called on the government to ensure freedom of expression, the independence of the judiciary and the protection of fundamental human rights.
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