Measuring Freedom of Expression in Pakistan: Challenges to Citizens Security

Abstract

Every person in Pakistan has the fundamental right to free expression, but this liberty is rarely exercised due to the bureaucratic system. This study seeks to investigate the country's current situation regarding freedom of expression to identify a few factors that contribute to the current state of affairs specially to the security of its citizens. The article employs a qualitative framework to examine social structures and reach conclusions from a broad range of incidents that occurred in the name of free speech in the country, as enshrined in some constitutional principles. Despite the existence of a constitutional provision, the research indicates that the right to free expression in Pakistan is restricted based on security grounds. Several factors are contributing to the current situation of exploitation of freedom of expression. This exploitation has been linked to an increase in incidents such as blasphemy, missing people, and extrajudicial killings which not only challenge democracy but also increase the risk to public security. Furthermore, the online space for criticism and free speech in Pakistan has shrunk, whereas hate speech and online surveillance have increased. This study revealed that to prevent misuse, there is an urgent need to identify uncertainty in certain Constitutional provisions. A detailed understanding of free expression must also be retooled and disseminated to the public to prevent its misinterpretation as the liberty to disrespect other people's religion, values, and perspectives

Keywords

• blasphemy; citizen security; democracy; free speech; freedom of expression; journalism; online space; pakistan