Pakistan advances human rights protection through major legal, policy reforms: Economic Survey

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Jun, 2026) Pakistan significantly strengthened its human rights framework during FY2026 through a series of legislative, policy and institutional reforms aimed at protecting vulnerable groups and improving access to justice, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 released by the Ministry of Finance on Thursday.

The survey stated that the government prioritized addressing violence against women through the National Policy on Ending Violence Against Women, focusing on prevention, protection, prosecution and rehabilitation. New strategies were also introduced to engage men in preventing gender-based violence and to tackle technology-facilitated harassment in digital spaces.

Among the major legislative developments were the enactment of the ICT Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025, ICT Domestic Violence Act 2026 and the National Commission for Minorities Rights Act 2025, which strengthened legal safeguards and institutional mechanisms for human rights protection.

Pakistan also maintained active engagement with international human rights mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review and commitments under the Beijing Declaration on women’s empowerment. The Ministry of Human Rights signed cooperation agreements with partner countries to promote family welfare, gender equality and child protection.

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The survey highlighted the expansion of digital support systems, including the nationwide Helpline 1099 and the AWAZ mobile application, providing easier access to legal assistance, complaint registration and emergency support services for women, children and marginalized communities.

The government further expanded awareness campaigns and training programmes across educational institutions and communities to promote human rights education, gender equality and protection against violence.

According to the survey, several Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects were completed in June 2025, including the Human Rights Information Management System (HRIMS), a Pilot Transgender Protection Centre in Islamabad, and a Human Rights Sub-Office in the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Additional projects aimed at strengthening human rights monitoring and coordination are expected to be completed by June 2026.

The Economic Survey noted that these measures reflect Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening human rights governance and aligning national laws and institutions with international standards.