The State Department of the United States of America has issued its annual Country Report on Human Rights Practices for the Year 2015. The report extensively covers abuses of human rights violations in Pakistan.

The said report highlights incidents of human rights violations against Sindh Province’s second largest political party, Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) at the hands of law enforcement agencies, including incidents of enforced disappearances of MQM workers.

The 2015 Report of the State Department has also highlighted growing censorship and curbing of freedom of speech in Pakistan. Besides mentioning other incidents aimed at limiting freedom of speech, the 2015 Report cites placement of “blanket ban on all transmissions deemed to be against the judiciary, Pakistan army, or various law enforcement agencies. PEMRA issued the directive in reaction to 14 news channels airing a controversial speech on May 1 by MQM party leader Altaf Hussain…”

A few excerpts relating to MQM from the report are being reproduced below.