US report categorizes Pak "not a free country" in terms of political rights, civil liberties
4 Jul 2008, 1220 Hrs

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Washington, July 4 (ANI): Pakistan performed poorly in terms of political rights and civil liberties during the last year, especially due to emergency rule and the sacking of Supreme Court judges by President Pervez Musharraf on Nov 3, 2007, a new "freedom report" has said.

Because of its low ratings on these two counts (viz. political rights and civil liberties), Pakistan was categorized as a "not free" country.

Pakistan scored a rating of 6 in terms of political rights and 5 in civil liberties, the best score being 1 and the lowest being 7, said the 'Freedom in the World Report 2008' prepared by the Freedom House.

India, on the other hand, comes out as "free", earning 2 for political rights and 3 for civil liberties, the Daily Times quoted the report as saying.

According to Freedom House, "Pakistan received a downward trend arrow to reflect the imposition of martial law, under which restrictions were placed on freedom of assembly and the media, politicians and human rights activists were held under house arrest, the constitution was suspended, and the Supreme Court was disbanded."

Pakistan is expected to do far better in next year's survey because of the return of elected rule, the report said. (ANI)