Tag Archives: Freedom of speech

Human Rights Series: Right To Information

Article 19-A of the Constitution of Pakistan talks about the Fundamental Right To Information. It states that:

Every citizen shall have the right to have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions imposed by law.

Right to information means that every citizen of Pakistan should be able to know what’s happening in his country. He must be aware of all the important decisions made by the government. He should be aware of new laws. He should know when his government is taking loans or making deals with other countries.

The government can make laws regulating this right. Just because everyone has this right does not mean that each and every information should be available to every citizen. For example, the decisions on national security are considered matters of public importance, but at the same time the public doesn’t need to know about military installations or war strategies. So in this and in other similar cases, the Constitution empowers the government to regulate and put reasonable restrictions on this public right. Similarly, the government can delay some information if it is in national interest, like the negotiations with the I.M.F. or with China, but after closing the deal they have to inform the public about the exact terms.

Human Rights Series: Freedom Of Speech In Pakistan

All Pakistanis have the freedom to express their opinions. This is guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan under Article 19. This article not only permits the freedom of speech and expression, but also guarantees freedom of press.

Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, commission of or incitement to an offence.

Article 19

This freedom is, however, not absolute. Like every other country of the world, the freedom of speech cannot be used to spread hatred and chaos in Pakistan. The constitution allows the Parliament to impose certain restrictions in the interest of the following:

  • Glory of Islam.
  • Integrity, security or defence of Pakistan.
  • Friendly relations with foreign States.
  • Public order, decency or morality.
  • In relation to contempt of court.
  • In relation to commission or incitement to an offence.

These restrictions should not be excessive and should strictly relate to the above-mentioned things. Apart from these, feel free to share your feelings about any topic with your peers and on social media.