By Asghar Ali Mubarak
Human rights, as a concept, are often treated as a modern invention, yet their essence has been deeply rooted in Islamic teachings for over fourteen centuries. The Quran and Sunnah enshrine the dignity, equality, and freedom of every individual, providing a framework that guarantees life, liberty, property, and education for all—Muslims and non-Muslims alike. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) proclaimed the principles of equality during the conquest of Mecca, he established a moral and legal foundation that resonates with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations in 1948. Islam’s emphasis on justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity echoes through every verse and every hadith, reminding humanity that fundamental rights are a divine trust, not merely societal privileges.
The Quran explicitly asserts that every human being is endowed with life and the soul by Allah and chosen as His caliph on Earth (Surah Al-Hujurat, 13). The right to life, dignity, freedom, property, and education is non-negotiable. Killing a person unjustly is equated to killing all of humanity, while saving one life is as if saving all (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 32). Islam recognises equality and brotherhood, abolishing superiority based on race, colour, or social status, and provides protection to non-Muslims, women, orphans, and even prisoners of war, as exemplified in the historic Covenant of Medina. Partial abolition of slavery and the elevation of women’s rights in inheritance, education, and social participation illustrate Islam’s progressive approach to universal human rights, long before the modern international legal frameworks emerged.
The United Nations, established in 1945 following the devastation of the Second World War, sought to formalise these principles on a global scale. Its Charter and subsequent Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaim the intrinsic rights of every individual: freedom, equality, protection from torture, the right to life, and access to education. These principles mirror the moral imperatives enshrined in Islam. Pakistan, guided by these dual legacies of Islamic law and international human rights standards, embedded fundamental rights within its 1973 Constitution. Articles 8 to 28 provide enforceable guarantees: equality before the law, protection of life and property, freedom of expression, religious liberty, and protection against discrimination. The Constitution assigns the judiciary the role of safeguarding these rights, empowering courts under Articles 184 and 199 to enforce public rights and hold public servants accountable.
Despite these constitutional and legal protections, challenges remain. Administrative inefficiency, under-resourced provincial human rights departments, and limited public awareness hamper the effective implementation of rights. The Eighteenth Amendment, while devolving authority to provinces, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen provincial mechanisms for the enforcement of fundamental rights. Judicial reforms and greater administrative transparency are crucial. The exercise of human rights must be understood not only as a legal entitlement but as a societal responsibility. Without awareness, education, and civic engagement, the rights guaranteed by law remain aspirational rather than practical realities. Incorporating human rights education at all levels of schooling can empower citizens to recognise violations and seek redress.
Yet, human rights are not only a domestic issue—they are a global imperative. Pakistan’s commitment extends beyond its borders, reflecting its stance on Kashmir and Palestine. The United Nations pledged self-determination for the peoples of these regions decades ago, yet decades of inaction and selective enforcement have allowed violations to continue. The international community, it is argued, has historically been more responsive to the interests of Western nations than to the rights of Muslim populations. Millions in Kashmir and Palestine have suffered displacement, loss of life, and the destruction of infrastructure, despite their legally recognised right to resist occupation under international law. Pakistan continues to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza and a just resolution of Kashmir, underscoring that peace in the region is inseparable from the protection of human rights.
The failure of the United Nations to enforce its own resolutions has had profound consequences. The ongoing crises in Kashmir and Gaza are reminders that legal frameworks and moral commitments alone cannot guarantee justice; implementation is key. The UN Charter, adopted in San Francisco in 1945, was intended to prevent future wars, safeguard sovereignty, protect human rights, and promote peace. Yet, its promise remains partially unrealised. On the occasion of the Charter’s return to UN headquarters in 2025, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted it as a living testament to international cooperation, equality, and the enduring obligation of states to treat one another with dignity. The challenge remains to translate these principles into tangible outcomes, particularly for marginalized and occupied populations.
History illustrates that violations of human rights often stem from both external aggression and internal neglect. India’s colonial legacy, its occupation of Kashmir, and the systematic oppression of minorities serve as stark reminders of the fragility of human rights in politically contested regions. Alliances such as that between India and Israel illustrate how geopolitical and economic interests can overshadow moral imperatives, leaving millions of civilians vulnerable. Human rights, whether in South Asia or globally, require vigilant protection, not passive acknowledgment.
Islam, Pakistan’s Constitution, and the UN Charter converge on a single principle: human dignity is inviolable, and every individual possesses rights that are universal and inalienable. The role of the state, judicial mechanisms, and international institutions is to ensure these rights are respected, protected, and enforced. Yet, laws alone are insufficient without societal awareness, institutional efficiency, and a commitment to justice that transcends political expediency. Pakistan’s dual heritage of Islamic teaching and international legal obligation provides a framework not only for domestic governance but also for global advocacy, reminding the world that human rights are both a sacred trust and a practical necessity.
In an era of prolonged conflicts and ongoing human rights crises, the challenge is clear: states must uphold justice consistently, citizens must understand their rights, and international institutions must act impartially. The lessons of history, religion, and law converge on this truth. Respect for life, equality, freedom, and dignity is not negotiable. It is the foundation of a peaceful society, the measure of a just state, and the responsibility of the global community. For Pakistan, and for the broader world, the protection of human rights remains the ultimate test of morality, law, and governance.
(The writer is a senior journalist covering various beats, can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
