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Is Pakistan a free country?

Author

Noah Mitchell

Published Jan 13, 2026

Freedom House rated Pakistan as "Not Free" in its report of 2013 and gave it a score of 64 (on a scale of 0–100, with 0 being most free and 100 being least free).

Does Pakistan have freedom of speech?

Though Articles 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees freedom of speech and expression, and freedom of the press with certain restrictions. However, in practice, the freedom of speech is restricted through censorship of media as well as censorship of the Internet.

Is Pakistan a democracy today?

Pakistan constitutionally is a democratic parliamentary republic with its political system based on an elected form of governance. Since the establishment of the current system in 2003, Pakistan is one of the youngest democracies in the world.

What kind of country is Pakistan?

Pakistan is a semi-secular, Islamic federal parliamentary republic with Islam as the state religion. Pakistan is a nuclear power. The country's nuclear weapons program was established in 1972. Chief of state is the president, head of government is the prime minister.

Does Pakistan have human rights?

Violence against women and girls—including rape, murder, acid attacks, domestic violence, and forced marriage—remains a serious problem throughout Pakistan. Human rights defenders estimate that roughly 1,000 women are killed in so-called honor killings every year.

23 related questions found

Is Pakistan a violent country?

A survey carried out by the Thomson Reuters Foundation ranked Pakistan as the third most dangerous country in the world for women, after Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The majority of victims of violence have no legal recourse.

How many wives can a man have in Pakistan?

Polygamy is legally permissible according to the law of 1961, but restricted, in the Muslim majority nation of Pakistan. Only males adhering to the Islamic faith are legally allowed to enter into polygamous unions, with a maximum of four wives at one time.

Who accepted Pakistan first?

Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan after independence. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution of Iran, Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the new dispensation.

Does Pakistan have bars?

Today, though there are no public bars in Pakistan, however, licensed liquor outlets selling local beer, whiskey, gin and rum brands still operate in Karachi and the rest of Sindh. The makers of these local brands are some of the leading tax-paying companies in the country.

Can you drink in Pakistan?

Today, alcoholic beverages are legally banned in Pakistan for Muslims only (more than 97% of the population), but the penalty of 80 lashes for drinking was repealed in 2009.

Is Pakistan a US ally?

Aid from the United States since 9/11

Pakistan is a major non-NATO ally as part of the War on Terrorism, and a leading recipient of U.S. aid.

Is Pakistan a safe country?

After years of instability and occasional acts of sectarian violence, Pakistan's security is now solid, and the majority of the country has been safe for visitors for several years.

Is Pakistan a good country 2021?

Pakistan is 138th in the overall Prosperity Index rankings.

What does Pakistan believe in?

Almost all of the people of Pakistan are Muslims or at least follow Islamic traditions, and Islamic ideals and practices suffuse virtually all parts of Pakistani life. Most Pakistanis belong to the Sunni sect, the major branch of Islam.

Is there religious freedom in Pakistan?

Formally, Freedom of religion in Pakistan is guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan for individuals of various religions and religious sects.

Who owns Pakistani media?

Most print media are privately owned, but the government controls the Associated Press of Pakistan, one of the major news agencies. From 1964 into the early 1990s, the National Press Trust acted as the government's front to control the press.

Does Pakistan have night life?

Pakistan is an officially dry country, meaning no alcohol, but you can find a few clubs. Most clubs are private but some are operated by big hotels. Most club customers are wealthy foreigners. “The Bassment” is a popular disco at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.

Is Pakistan a dry country?

The subculture of liquor enjoyment belies Pakistan's status as officially "dry". That is, the 96% of Pakistanis who, according to official figures are Muslim, are not supposed to drink.

When was alcohol banned in Pakistan?

In April 1977, the populist government of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto banned the sale of alcohol in Pakistan. It was a temporary order issued after Bhutto had been cornered by a violent protest movement orchestrated by an alliance of right-wing religious parties and other anti-Bhutto outfits.

Is South Korea friend of Pakistan?

In spite of Pakistan's friendly relationship with North Korea, Pakistan maintains a strong base in South Korea, with more trade agreements with South Korea and friendly treaty signed by both countries.

What is the old name of Pakistan?

In a 1933 pamphlet, Now or Never, Rahmat Ali and three Cambridge colleagues coined the name as an acronym for Punjab, Afghania (North-West Frontier Province), Kashmir, and Indus-Sind, combined with the -stan suffix from Baluchistan (Balochistan).

How old is Pakistan?

Pakistan is celebrating its 73rd Independence Day on August 14 with big celebrations across the country.

What age can you marry in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, the legal age for marriage is 18 for males and 16 for females (Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 and Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961), despite acceptance of the definition of child uner CRC as anyone under 18 years of age.

Is there divorce in Pakistan?

Divorce in Pakistan is largely governed by the Muslim Family Law Ordinance 1961. These statutory provision set out the grounds and procedure for Muslims to divorce in Pakistan. A husband may divorce his wife by pronouncing the Talaq.

Who pays for a Pakistani wedding?

Traditionally, the bride and her family pay for the wedding, whilst the valima (see below) is paid for by the groom and his family. However, recent years have shown a collaboration of both events into one day, resulting in the costs being divided between both sides.