ISSI hosts launch of Pakistan’s First State of Freedom report 2026

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jun, 2026) The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Mishal Pakistan on Monday 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.

The Chief Guest, 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, said a press release.

He observed that objective assessments and informed public discourse play a vital role in strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance outcomes.

Emphasizing 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.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman 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. He observed that the report presents encouraging perceptions regarding economic participation, business facilitation, and women’s empowerment, while also identifying areas requiring continued policy attention, including economic security, governance performance, and institutional responsiveness. He emphasized that the report’s multidimensional understanding of freedom provides a valuable framework for strengthening institutions and improving governance outcomes.

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.

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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. Drawing upon legal analysis, institutional indicators, expert consultations, and a nationwide survey of approximately 2,000 respondents, the report establishes Pakistan’s first national benchmark on freedom and governance. He highlighted key findings, including that 77 percent of respondents believe citizens are free to choose their profession, 75 percent perceive businesses as operating without undue government interference, and 75 percent express positive perceptions regarding women’s opportunities and empowerment. He further noted Pakistan’s rapid digital transformation, expanding IT sector, and increasing reliance on digital platforms for information dissemination and civic participation.

Shafique Chaudhry, Executive Director of the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR), underscored the significance of institutional fairness, protection of rights, and effective governance structures in building public confidence. He stressed that sustained efforts toward transparency, justice, and equal opportunity are critical for promoting a free and progressive society.

Ms. Farzana Yaqoob, Eisenhower Fellow and former Minister for Women Development and Social Welfare, AJK, highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment, social inclusion, and equitable access to opportunities. She emphasized that strengthening the participation of women and marginalized groups in economic, social, and political spheres remains essential for achieving sustainable national development.

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director, China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC), commended Mishal Pakistan for undertaking an important evidence-based initiative that contributes to informed policymaking and national discourse. He observed that freedom in the contemporary era extends beyond constitutional guarantees to encompass economic opportunity, digital access, social inclusion, institutional fairness, security, and public trust.

The launch brought together parliamentarians, diplomats, academics, media representatives, civil society members, researchers, and policy experts to discuss the evolving dimensions of freedom, governance, and public trust in Pakistan.