Pakistan Rights Body Condemns Boy’s Terror Charge

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A decision by authorities in Pakistan’s Balochistan province to file terrorism charges against a seven-year-old boy has prompted widespread condemnation. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for the immediate withdrawal of the charges, which were reportedly filed after the child allegedly shared a video containing an anti-government speech. The incident has raised renewed concerns over the use of anti-terror laws and limitations on civil liberties in politically sensitive areas.

According to the HRCP, the charge is both legally unjustified and morally unacceptable. In an official statement, the independent watchdog described the action as “highly reprehensible” and urged the state to respect the fundamental rights of children. The commission also criticised the growing application of security legislation in response to non-violent expressions of dissent, particularly in Balochistan, a province frequently at the centre of political unrest.

Although the boy has not been taken into custody, the decision to involve a minor in a terrorism case has alarmed rights advocates and legal professionals. Many have cited Pakistan’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the country has ratified. Observers say such actions may point to a pattern in which legal measures are used to discourage dissent, raising broader questions about the balance between national security and civil freedoms.

Human rights organisations have urged authorities to ensure that legal proceedings involving children are handled with caution and adherence to international standards. They stress the importance of protecting due process, safeguarding freedom of expression, and refraining from applying counterterrorism laws in cases involving minors.