Pakistan’s first state of freedom report launched

ISLAMABAD: The Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) hosted the launch of the State of Freedom Report – Pakistan 2026, the country’s first comprehensive national assessment of political, civil, economic, digital, legal, and social freedoms. Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, welcomed the publication of Pakistan’s first State of Freedom Report and underscored the importance of evidence-based policymaking, citizen engagement, constitutional governance, and institutional accountability. He observed that objective assessments and informed public discourse play a vital role in strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance outcomes. Emphasising the significance of public trust and responsive institutions, he remarked that, “Freedom is strengthened when citizens feel heard, institutions remain accountable, and policymaking is informed by evidence. This report is an important contribution toward that national objective. ” He noted that Pakistan’s constitutional framework provides extensive protections for fundamental rights and highlighted ongoing legal and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening access to justice, transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. He further stressed the importance of fostering an inclusive governance environment where citizens are empowered to contribute to national development and policymaking processes. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors, ISSI, appreciated Mishal Pakistan’s efforts in undertaking a comprehensive study on the state of freedom in Pakistan. Referring to the report’s findings, he highlighted Pakistan’s growing digital transformation, expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the increasing contribution of the IT sector to the national economy. Presenting the report, Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of Mishal Pakistan and co-author of the study, described it as Pakistan’s first indigenous, evidence-based effort to assess freedom through the country’s own constitutional, institutional, economic, and societal realities. He explained that the report evaluates six key dimensions: Political Freedom, Civil Liberties, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Economic Freedom, Digital Freedom and Access to Information, and Social Inclusion, Gender, and Public Trust. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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