Counter-Terrorism Measures and Human Rights Protection: The Case of Pakistan

Abstract

This article focuses on counter-terrorism measures and human rights protection in Pakistan.Terrorism is a complex phenomenon having shocking effects and impacts on states and societies. Terrorists have no boundaries and violate the basic human rights of people. In this context, the people of Pakistan have faced shocking effects of terrorism after the attacks of September 11. The infrastructure of Pakistan is also damaged. While Pakistan has international legal obligations, this paper explores to what extent counter-terrorism measures are to be taken by Pakistan in order to combat terrorism. It explains the nature of the relationship between human rights and terrorism in order to investigate anti-terrorism initiatives taken by Pakistan and to assess human rights protections. It argues that domestication of the norms of international law with regard to terrorism is the need of the hour, and special measures are required to be taken to remove the effects of the evil of terrorism. In all respects, the security of the people of Pakistan is an important concern. Pakistan is active in combating terrorism.However, there are still certain challenges to eliminating terrorism. The paper concludes that Pakistan is under international legal obligations to respect, protect and fulfill the human rights of people without discrimination at every level.