After two years, Pakistan has finally managed to secure a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Our Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi has hailed the development as a ‘ringing endorsement’ of Pakistan’s ‘strong commitment’ to human rights. Unfortunately, there is still much to be done for protection of human rights in the country. Law enforcement and security agencies remain unaccountable for rights violations. Enforced disappearances continue and controversial military courts remain in operation — at least 85 people were executed by these courts in 2016. These courts do not meet any basic standard of the due process, putting question marks on judgements passed by them. With regards to the rights of women, regressive and discriminatory laws like hudood ordinance remain a part of our legal system. Women making allegations of rape in Pakistan routinely face harassment and humiliation in courts and at police stations. Forced marriages, ‘honour’ killing and social discrimination are other issues that highlight the dismal state of rights of Pakistani women. Pakistan’s human rights record for minorities remains abysmal. Religious minorities in Pakistan suffer widespread persecution due to blasphemy laws. They are frequently harassed, assaulted and lynched on allegations of blasphemy. Just a few days ago, three men from the Ahmadia community were sentenced to death on charges of blasphemy. Apart from these rights violations, freedom of speech remains a controversial issue. Dissenters are routinely killed, kidnapped or arrested for questioning state institutions and their policies. But those indulging in hate speech easily manage to evade repercussions. This is the state of human rights in Pakistan. In July this year, the UN Human Rights Committee had drawn Pakistani authorities’ attention to the aforementioned problems. Furthermore, Pakistan’s GSP+ status is soon to come under review. For the renewal, it has to deliver on its commitments that are also enshrined in international conventions on rights. The return of the UNHRC seat has to be a moment of reflection for the authorities concerned. Hopefully, membership of the council will accelarate efforts for protection of rights and civil liberties. * Published in Daily Times, October 18th 2017.