Global Activism - Pakistan
Government representatives, human rights organisations, and activists from the United States, European Union, Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom have responded to the human rights and civil liberties crisis in Pakistan. The most notable and significant political activity has come from the United States.
United States
The United States has witnessed a growing political and civil society response to military authoritarian practices in Pakistan, particularly following the 26 November 2024 Islamabad massacre of peaceful protesters. This response has included:
House Resolution 901: Introduced on 30 November 2023 by Representative Richard McCormick (R-GA), House Resolution 901 expressed strong support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan. Initiated after a campaign from PakPac (Pakistan-American Public Affairs Committee), the resolution was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on 25 June 2024 with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 368–7. It affirmed the United States’ commitment to democratic principles and called for free and fair elections in Pakistan.
Congressional Letter: On 23 October 2024, over 60 members of Congress, led by Representative Greg Casar (D-TX), sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging the administration to prioritise human rights in its policy towards Pakistan. The letter called for the release of political prisoners, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and emphasised the need for democratic reforms.
Protests: Pakistani diaspora communities and human rights activists have organised protests across major U.S. cities, including a high-profile demonstration outside the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., drawing attention to the use of international financial support to prop up an unelected regime.
Congressional Briefing on the Islamabad Massacre: On 22 January 2025, a U.S. Congressional Briefing was held to address the Islamabad massacre. The session featured testimonies from journalists, human rights advocates, and subject-matter experts, who detailed the events of 26 November and called for accountability and targeted sanctions against those responsible for the violent crackdown.
The Pakistan Democracy Act: Introduced on 24 March 2025 by Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), the Pakistan Democracy Act aims to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Pakistan. The proposed legislation includes provisions for targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for undermining democratic processes and calls for a comprehensive report on Pakistan’s progress towards democratic governance.
Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Hearing on Transnational Repression in the US: 24th June 2025, Pakistani Journalist Ahmed Noorani in exile from Pakistan for the past 5 years, testifies on how Pakistani military authoritarian Transnational Repression has affected him in the US, including abduction of his family in Pakistan.
Documents
US Congress: 60+ Members of Congress Call for the Release of Political Prisoners in Pakistan, Including Former Prime Minister Imran Khan (October 2023) https://casar.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/casar.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/Letter_Human%20Rights%20Pakistan%20_Oct%2023%202024.pdf
US Congress: H.Res.901: Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan (November 2023) https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/901
House of Representatives: Wilson and Panetta Introduce ‘Pakistan Democracy Act’ (March 2025) https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-and-panetta-introduce-pakistan-democracy-act
Videos
Dr Moeed Pirzada Address Against Election Rigging | IMF Protest | Washington DC (15 March 2024)
Congressional briefing on the Human Rights Crisis in Pakistan organised by Human Rights Organisation First Pak Global. Panelists included Congressman Greg Casar, Congresswoman Rashida Talib, Journalists Dr. Moeed Pirzada and Wajahat S. Khan and Investigative Journalist Ryan Grim. Moderated by Mehlaqa Samdani of the Community Alliance for Peace and Justice - also a member organisation of the PWA - (22 January 2025)
Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Hearing on Transnational Repression in the US. Pakistani Journalist Ahmed Noorani in exile from Pakistan for the past 5 years, testifies (video timing 34:45-42:45) on how Pakistani military authoritarian Transnational Repression has affected him in the US, including abduction of his family in Pakistan (24 June 2025)
Protest Against the Visit of Pakistan General Asim Munir, organised by PTI USA chapter (Movement for Justice Party) in association with US Human Rights Activists from the Pakistan Diaspora, including member organisations of the PWA, Washington D.C (14 June 2025)
Expert panel discussion on the human rights and civil liberties crisis in Pakistan, organised by Center of Excellence for Community Services (CECS). Participants included Dr Rick Halperin, former Chair of Board of Directors Amnesty International USA (25 January 2025)
US author and journalist Ryan Grim publishes leaked audio of Pakistan’s campaign of transnational repression (28 August 2024)
European Union (EU)
The European Union has voiced serious concern over Pakistan’s deteriorating human rights situation, particularly in relation to restrictions on freedom of expression, the use of military courts for civilian trials, and broader authoritarian tendencies.
European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI)
In February 2025, the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) held a session dedicated to Pakistan, addressing issues such as enforced disappearances, the misuse of blasphemy laws, and the shrinking space for civil society and independent media. The EU called for Pakistan to uphold its international commitments and to respect fundamental rights and democratic norms.
Criticism of Electoral Irregularities
Following the controversial general elections in 2024, the EU criticised the absence of a level playing field, noting the exclusion of political opponents, widespread arrests, and curbs on freedoms of assembly and speech. The EU urged Pakistani authorities to conduct transparent investigations into electoral irregularities and reaffirmed the need for political pluralism.
The EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights Visits Pakistan
In early 2025, Olof Skoog, the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights, visited Pakistan to press for reforms, reiterating that Pakistan’s preferential trade status under the GSP+ scheme is contingent on meaningful progress in human rights, including freedom of expression and judicial independence. The EU continues to monitor the situation closely, using both diplomatic pressure and economic leverage to advocate for democratic principles and the rule of law.
Activists from the European Pakistani diaspora have arranged pro-democracy protests in several countries including Italy, France and Denmark.
Activism
Italy: Politician in exile, Vlogger and Victim of Transnational Repression Dr. Shahbaz Gill’s Address at Protest for the Release of Imran Khan, Brescia, Italy (2 February 2025)
EuroPak (European Pakistani Citizens' Association), also a member organisation of PWA, attends European Parliament to meet with MEPs (Members of European Parliament) to discuss the Human Rights Crisis in Pakistan (7 May 2025)
Pakistani diaspora protest for the release of arbitrarily detained Imran Khan outside the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland (16 August 2024)
Norway
The Norwegian Human Rights Fund (NHRF) continues to support grassroots initiatives in Pakistan, focusing on labour rights, access to justice, and the protection of human rights defenders.
In the political arena, the Norwegian centrist party Partiet Sentrum (Centre Party) announced having worked to submit a nomination for former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his efforts in promoting human rights and democracy in Pakistan.
The governing Labour party’s supporters and representatives hosted an event on the human rights crisis in Pakistan in May 2025, attending by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Norwegian academic institutions have facilitated discussions on Pakistan's human rights situation; notably, the University of Oslo hosted a seminar titled "National Security and Human Rights in Pakistan," exploring the balance between security measures and human rights obligations.
Activists from the Pakistani diaspora in Norway have arranged multiple pro-democracy events and seminars regarding the human rights and civil liberties crisis in Pakistan and are now working to actively pursue the cause formally within the government of Norway.
Writer, Activist and Politician Shoaib Sultan addressing the Norwegian Labour Government's event on the Pakistan Human Rights Crisis. Attendees included Norway's Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik (May 2025)
Norwegian Political Party Partiet Sentrum announce their supporting work for the nomination of former Prime Minister of Pakistan (the currently arbitrarily detained) Imran Khan for the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 for his work for Human Rights and Democracy (March 2025)
Images from a pro-democracy protest in Oslo in support of arbitrarily detained former Prime Minister Imran Khan, arranged by local activist group Insaf Norway (March 2023)
A young activist addresses pro-democracy protest of Norwegian Pakistani diaspora outside Oslo Parliament (9 August 2024)
Highlights from a pro-democracy protest in Oslo in support of arbitrarily detained former Prime Minister Imran Khan, arranged by local activist group Insaf Norway (August 2023)
United Kingdom
Concerns Over the 2024 Pakistani General Elections
Following the 2024 general elections in Pakistan, the UK Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron, issued a statement expressing “serious concerns” about the fairness and inclusivity of the electoral process. He noted specific issues including restrictions on internet access on polling day, substantial delays in the announcement of results, and allegations of irregularities in the vote-counting process.
Condemnation of Military Trials for Civilians
In December 2024, the UK, together with the United States and the European Union, condemned Pakistan’s use of military courts to sentence 25 civilians allegedly involved in attacks on military installations following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2023. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office criticised the lack of transparency and due process in these proceedings, stating that the trial of civilians in military courts is incompatible with the right to a fair trial.
Activists from the Pakistani diaspora have organised several pro-democracy protests in London and across the UK, including outside Downing Street. They have also hosted a parliamentary briefing on the human rights crisis in Pakistan.
Activism
Human rights activists from the Pakistani diaspora and victims of the Pakistani fascist regime meet with British MPs, including former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, to provide a briefing on the human rights crisis in Pakistan - organised by human rights organisation Friends of Democratic Pakistan UK (January 2025)
Pakistani diaspora and supporters of Imran Khan's political party PTI protest against military fascism outside 10 Downing Street after innocent protesters were gunned down by the state in the Islamabad Massacre of 26th November 2024 (1 December 2024)