Civil society in Pakistan continues to operate under a heavily disabling environment, shaped by political turbulence after the February 2024 elections and the ongoing economic recovery from the 2022–23 financial crisis. Five of the six enabling environment principles scored in the “Disabling” range, reflecting systematic constraints on civil society’s operational environment.
Key events included mass arrests of peaceful protesters under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the banning of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement, the arrest of Baloch activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch, and sweeping amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in January 2025. These measures entrenched censorship, curtailed digital freedoms, and expanded state surveillance. Pakistan also witnessed 21 internet shutdowns in 2024, its highest ever, severely impacting civil society mobilisation.
Main deteriorations:
1- Shrinking civic freedoms with growing restrictions on association, assembly, and expression.
2- Bureaucratic and opaque registration and funding processes that undermined CSO sustainability.
3- Intensified negative narratives portraying CSOs as “foreign agents.”
4- Weak state responsiveness, with consultations often tokenistic and selective.
5- Expanding digital repression, including platform bans, surveillance, and cyber-harassment of activists.
Opportunities: Limited improvements were noted, such as a Lahore High Court ruling striking down a restrictive NGO foreign funding policy, and isolated attempts by provincial departments to streamline registration processes. Youth-led activism and grassroots digital campaigns also signalled resilience and adaptation.
Key recommendations include:
1- Overhaul restrictive laws (notably PECA and Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code) and simplify CSO registration/NOC systems.
2- End internet shutdowns and enact a rights-respecting Data Protection Law.
3- Provide flexible, core funding and pooled rapid-response funds for CSOs.
4- Establish inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms at federal and provincial levels.
5- Promote positive narratives recognising CSOs as legitimate development partners.
Civil society remains resilient, but urgent reforms are required to safeguard Pakistan’s democratic space and ensure meaningful participation.
