Other Civil and Political Rights

Concept

There are several other civil and political rights recognized and protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR) and other important human rights treaties. Here are some of them:

• Freedom of Assembly and Association

This right ensures individuals have the freedom to peacefully assemble and associate with others, including the right to form and join trade unions, political parties, and other associations. 

Article 16 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the right to freedom of assembly. It ensures that every citizen shall have the right to assemble peacefully and without arms, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of public order.

• Freedom of Movement

This right ensures individuals have the liberty to move freely within the borders of their country and to leave any country, including their own, and to return to their country.

The Constitution of Pakistan enshrines the right to freedom of movement within the country in Article 15. It states that every citizen shall have the right to move freely throughout Pakistan and to reside and settle in any part of Pakistan, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the public.

• Right to Liberty and Security of Person

This right protects individuals from arbitrary arrest or detention, ensuring that no one shall be deprived of their liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with procedures established by law.

Article 9 of the Constitution of Pakistan safeguards the right to liberty and security of person. It ensures that no person shall be deprived of life or liberty except in accordance with the law.

• Freedom of Religion

This includes the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, allowing individuals to practice, observe, and manifest their religion or belief, either alone or in community with others.

Article 20 of the Constitution of Pakistan protects the freedom to profess religion and to manage religious institutions. It guarantees the right to freely practice and profess any religion, subject to law, public order, and morality.

• Right to Property

This right protects individuals’ rights to own, use, dispose of, and bequeath property. States are generally allowed to regulate the use of property for the common good but must do so in accordance with the law and not arbitrarily.

Article 24 of the Constitution of Pakistan ensures the protection of property rights. It states that no person shall be deprived of his property save in accordance with law.

• Right to Marriage and Family

This includes the right to marry and found a family without any limitation due to race, nationality, or religion, and the right to equal rights and responsibilities in marriage, including the right to divorce and property rights upon divorce.

The Constitution of Pakistan does not have a specific article solely dedicated to the right to marriage and family, it upholds the principle of equality before the law for all citizens under Article 24, furthermore under Article 35 indirectly contribute to safeguarding the rights related to marriage and family, and in Article 37, which focuses on the promotion of social justice and eradication of social evils.