On May 6^th, 2025, Mr. Harris Khalique, Secretary-General Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, delivered an insightful lecture to the participants of 37^th SMC on “Human Rights in Pakistan”. He succinctly discussed the state of human rights in Pakistan and emerging human rights issues.

Mr. Harris Khalique, discussed that fundamental rights are enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan, but due to inadequate adherence Pakistan ranks quite low in global rankings such as the Rule of Law index. He stated that freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of association and such are part of the Constitution but it is a constant struggle to ensure these rights in practice. He also shared data with regards to women and children and cases of mistreatment, sexual abuse, violence, harassment and other heinous crimes that indicate that Pakistani society is failing to maintain basic human dignity

Mr. Harris Khalique explained that Pakistan is a signatory to many international human rights conventions but while there is improvement in some sectors such as education and health, in other areas such as law and order, labour rights, women and children’s rights a lot more must be done before Pakistan can achieve compliance as per international conventions.