The human rights situation in Pakistan in 2024 has been marked by violence, political unrest, militant attacks, and severe violations of rights against religious and ethnic minorities. The country has witnessed an escalation of violence in multiple regions, attacks on law enforcement and military personnel, as well as unrest in educational institutions and political protests. Here is a detailed account of key human rights violations and militant activities throughout the year:
May 2024: Attack on Christians in Sargodha
A mob attacked a Christian community in Sargodha, Punjab, after accusations of blasphemy were raised. The attack left 74-year-old Lazar Masih severely injured and highlighted the vulnerability of religious minorities in Pakistan amidst growing intolerance.
Crackdown on PTI Protests
May 9, 2024: Crackdown on PTI Protesters
Following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, protests erupted across Pakistan. Security forces responded with excessive force, including tear gas and baton charges, and thousands of PTI supporters were detained. The crackdown drew widespread condemnation for the use of excessive force against political dissent.
Source: HRW Org.
June 2024: Attacks on Ahmadis
In Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, an 18-year-old attacked and killed two members of the Ahmadiyya community. This was followed by a mob destroying an Ahmadi place of worship in Kotli, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir, underscoring the growing persecution of the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan.
Source: Amnesty Org. , NCHR Report
August/ September 2024: Killings in Balochistan
A series of violent attacks in Balochistan led to the deaths of more than 70 migrant laborers, mostly from Punjab. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, citing grievances over the exploitation of resources in the region. These attacks highlight the ethnic tensions and rising insecurity for migrant workers in Balochistan.
September 2024: Killing of Punjabi Laborers in Panjgur
In yet another targeted attack, seven Punjabi laborers were killed, and one was injured in Panjgur, Balochistan. The BLA claimed responsibility for the killings, fueling fears over the safety of migrant laborers in the region.
Source: Reuters , Al-Jazeera , VOA News
Militant Attacks on Security Forces
August 2024: Attacks in Balochistan
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched multiple coordinated attacks, killing at least 14 soldiers and policemen in a series of ambushes. The attacks targeted military installations, police officers, and civilian vehicles, highlighting the persistent insurgency in the region.
Source: BBC
October 2024: Punjab College Incident and Student Protests
A major protest broke out at a private college in Lahore following allegations of sexual violence on campus. Students clashed with police forces, and the authorities responded with force, including baton charges and tear gas. This incident underscored the systemic issues surrounding sexual violence in educational institutions.
Source: Al-Jazeera
International Scrutiny
In October 2024, the UN Human Rights Committee reviewed Pakistan’s human rights record amid reports of rampant abuses, including enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and violence against religious minorities. The committee expressed concerns over the lack of accountability and urged Pakistan to uphold its obligations under international human rights law.
Source: Amnesty International
These incidents reflect ongoing challenges in Pakistan’s human rights landscape, with various communities facing systemic discrimination, violence, and a lack of legal protections.
Violence Against Transgender Individuals
There was a disturbing rise in violence against transgender individuals. In one notable incident, two transgender women were stabbed to death in their home in Mardan. Despite progressive legislation like the Protection of Rights Act of 2018, such attacks persisted, underscoring systemic issues in protecting transgender rights.
Source: Them
November 2024: Sectarian Violence in Kurram District
In Kurram District, a convoy of Shia Muslims was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of 54 people and injuries to 86 others. This attack is one of the deadliest sectarian incidents in recent years, exacerbating religious divisions within the country.
Source: Al-Jazeera
Detention of Human Rights Activists
Human rights activists faced increased harassment and detention. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent activist advocating for the Baloch minority, was barred from traveling to a TIME event in New York City honoring her inclusion on the TIME100 Next list. She was detained by the Federal Investigation Agency at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, where her passport was confiscated without legal justification.
Source: Time
November 2024: Dera Ismail Khan Attack
Militants ambushed a security post in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing 10 security personnel. The attackers used assault rifles and grenades before fleeing the scene. This attack was part of a larger trend of increasing militant violence in the region.
Source: The Nation
Recent Attacks on Police and Military Personnel
In December 2024, an attack on military forces in the tribal areas resulted in the deaths of 12 soldiers. Militants ambushed a convoy in the northern region, a region where military operations have intensified to combat insurgency.
Source: The Guardian
November 26, 2024: Nationwide PTI Protests ( Final Call)
Mass protests broke out across Pakistan in response to soaring inflation and human rights violations. Security forces deployed to suppress the demonstrations used tear gas and other violent tactics, escalating the unrest.
Source: Al-Jazeera , Amnesty
December 2024: Humanitarian Crisis in Kurram District
A severe humanitarian crisis unfolded in Kurram District, with at least 29 children dying due to a shortage of essential medicines. The shortage has been worsened by road closures, which have limited access to food, fuel, and medical supplies. The lack of resources in the District Headquarters Hospital in Parachinar has left the local population in dire need of assistance.
Source: The News
These events highlight Pakistan’s ongoing challenges with human rights, political instability, and sectarian violence. The country continues to grapple with maintaining law and order, protecting minorities, and upholding human rights in a climate of growing militant activity and political suppression.
