Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equality, dignity, and protection for every citizen. Yet when those rights are violated, where do the victims go? To address such questions, Pakistan has established human rights institutions at both federal and provincial levels — designed to assist victims, provide legal aid, and promote accountability. But are these institutions truly serving their purpose, or have they become symbolic fixtures in the name of justice?
Federal Level — Ministry of Human Rights
Located in Islamabad, the Ministry of Human Rights is the central body responsible for protecting and promoting human rights nationwide.
It provides legal assistance, financial relief, and complaint redress mechanisms for victims of abuse and discrimination.
How to approach:
Victims can file complaints online through the Human Rights Complaint Cell or by calling 051-9216620.
Eligibility & Support:
- The case must involve a verifiable human rights violation.
- After verification, it is referred to the Human Rights Relief Fund.
- Financial assistance ranges from PKR 50,000 to 500,000, depending on the severity of the case.
Federal Budget:
In the 2024–25 fiscal year, the Ministry received approximately PKR 1.3 billion, with a significant portion reserved for victim relief and public awareness programs.
Punjab — Punjab Human Rights Commission (PHRC)
Established in 2012, the Punjab Human Rights Commission monitors rights violations across the province and ensures victims receive prompt help.
How to approach:
Complaints can be filed at the Lahore office or through the online system.
Contact: 042-99211035
Support provided:
- Legal aid, psychological counseling, and financial assistance.
- Victims of serious rights violations may receive between PKR 25,000 and 300,000 in relief.
Budget:
The provincial government allocates around PKR 650 million annually to the commission.
Sindh — Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC)
Formed under the Sindh Human Rights Act, 2013, the Sindh Human Rights Commission is among Pakistan’s most active provincial watchdogs.
It investigates rights violations, mediates disputes, and recommends government action.
How to approach:
Complaints can be filed through written applications, email, or online forms at its offices in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana.
Contact: 021-99201277
Support provided:
- Legal assistance and inquiry-based financial relief.
- Victims may receive PKR 20,000 to 250,000 depending on the case.
- Priority is given to cases involving women, minorities, and children.
Budget:
In 2024–25, the Sindh government allocated about PKR 720 million, with 30% reserved for public complaint redress.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — Human Rights Directorate
The Human Rights Directorate in Peshawar focuses on cases concerning women, laborers, children, and minorities.
How to approach:
Applications can be submitted through District Complaint Committees or via the online portal.
Contact: 091-9210297
Support provided:
- Financial aid ranges from PKR 20,000 to 200,000.
- Complex cases are referred to the federal ministry for further action.
Budget:
For 2024–25, the KP government allocated PKR 400 million.
Balochistan — Directorate of Human Rights
The Directorate of Human Rights Balochistan, based in Quetta, investigates rights violations across the province and coordinates with local NGOs to provide assistance.
How to approach:
Victims can submit complaints via the Deputy Commissioner’s office or directly to the Quetta headquarters.
Support provided:
- Financial relief between PKR 15,000 and 150,000.
- Legal aid and facilitation in police inquiries.
Budget:
The province has set aside around PKR 300 million for the directorate this fiscal year.
Gilgit-Baltistan — Human Rights Cell
The Human Rights Cell in Gilgit-Baltistan operates under the federal ministry, focusing on vulnerable communities, particularly women and religious minorities.
How to approach:
Victims can submit written complaints or email applications to the GB Secretariat.
Support provided:
- Financial aid from PKR 10,000 to 100,000.
- Legal guidance and referral to Islamabad for complex cases.
Budget:
The federal government has allocated PKR 120 million for GB’s human rights activities.
🔍 Analysis — Protectors or Paper Institutions?
On paper, these institutions promise hope. But in practice, they are plagued by bureaucratic delays, lack of coordination, and insufficient outreach.
Victims often wait months for their cases to move forward, while many remain unaware that such institutions even exist.
The tragedy is not that Pakistan lacks human rights bodies — but that those bodies often lack urgency and accountability.
Transparency, quick response mechanisms, and public engagement are urgently needed to transform these departments from formality to functionality.
✒️ Conclusion
Human rights institutions are the conscience of a nation.
When they become ceremonial, victims of injustice are left without hope.
Pakistan must build a system where human dignity is not a favor of the state — but a guaranteed right of every citizen.
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Together, we can turn awareness into action —
and ensure that human rights in Pakistan are not just words on paper, but a living reality for every citizen.
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