CFHR drives justice, equality, and systemic change through research, legal innovation, advocacy, and education.
Our work is rooted in five key focus areas:
We work to combat trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, and the illegal proliferation of firearms. At the same time, we promote fair trial rights and due process in Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Courts. Our efforts to advance human rights and social inclusion focus on issues such as gender-based violence, women’s marriage rights, transgender rights, refugee protection, and digital freedoms. Through legal aid, national campaigns, marriage rights clinics, a documentary, and a digital knowledge platform, we strive to protect and promote rights for all.
Our climate justice work examines how environmental challenges such as displacement and the impact of the 2022 floods affect vulnerable communities and the justice system. We advocate for rights-based, resilient solutions. Meanwhile, through our Institute for Responsible AI & Human Rights, we explore the intersection of technology and human rights, promoting ethical innovation that puts people first.
At CFHR, we believe knowledge fuels change. We have published eight volumes of the Human Rights Review, developed policy papers and research reports, launched award-winning campaigns, and supported legal fellows. Our clinical legal education programme, moot courts, and specialised trainings prepare the next generation of human rights defenders with the tools and experience they need to lead.
Across all areas, we collaborate with national and international partners to influence policy, strengthen legal protections, and empower communities. Our work is grounded in evidence, shaped by inclusion, and driven by a commitment to lasting impact.
The "Message in a Mithai Box" campaign earned Bronze at Spikes Asia 2025, our second international honor after ranking 5th globally at SABRE Awards 2024. This Ogilvy Pakistan initiative empowers women with Nikahnama rights information through QR-coded cards in sweet boxes.
At UNODC’s 2025 Firearms Dialogue, CFHR spotlighted civil society’s role in tackling arms trafficking through inclusive policy, youth engagement, and regional cooperation.
Welcome to the first edition of CFHR’s Quarterly Newsletter, marking a new chapter in how we share our journey, impact, and vision.
Ms. Seher Aftab attended a UNODC workshop in Malaysia on January 15-17, 2025, focusing on UNTOC implementation, and helped establish the Civil Society Regional Network for Asia (NET4U). CFHR, where Ms. Aftab works, will coordinate NET4U Asia's activities.
The clinic documents challenges faced by women and girls due to climate displacement, focusing on their rights and vulnerabilities. Clinic students contribute through research, policy analysis, and advocacy to protect these women and girls.
In Pakistan, 99% of women lack at least one key marriage right in their Nikahnama. The #KaanteNaLagao campaign, launched by CFHR, Fahad Hussayn, and Mashion, combats this by raising awareness and advocating for women's rights within marriage contracts.
CFHR empowers educators with a comprehensive toolkit to teach women’s marriage rights through the Nikahnama via lessons, activities, and legal guides.
The report explores youth knowledge and attitudes on women’s marriage rights, revealing legal gaps and social norms from over 1,300 surveyed nationwide.
CFHR’s legal card game uses humor and teamwork to teach women’s marriage rights in Pakistan, from Nikahnama to divorce, in a fun, memorable way.
The Centre for Human Rights, with the Council of Islamic Ideology, offers a Training-of-Trainers Curriculum on Pakistan's Nikahnama, empowering Nikah Registrars with legal and Islamic insights on marriage rights.
CFHR and CII conducted a Training-of-Trainers program in Islamabad on the Nikahnama, equipping 30 religious officials to train others on proper marriage contract documentation, protecting spousal rights, and fulfilling legal obligations under Islamic law.
The Civil Society Declaration against Transnational Organized Crime champions civil society's crucial role in combating global crime, advocating for enhanced implementation of UNTOC, human rights, and victim-centered approaches.
On November 15, 2024, a roundtable event on transnational organized crime was held, bringing together 31 in-person and 86 online participants. The event concluded with the unveiling of the Civil Society Declaration, emphasizing collaboration to combat organized crime.
This info sheet offers a clear overview of transnational organized crime, detailing cross-border networks, key offenses, and the need for global cooperation.
This handbook helps law professors in Pakistan establish legal aid clinics focused on women's marriage rights. It covers clinical legal education, practical skills, and substantive issues for clinic setup and training.
CFHR advances women's rights via clinical legal education, training faculty nationwide on marriage rights clinics & launching a handbook for legal aid.
CFHR and Musawi empower youth through 31 Know-Your-Rights workshops on women’s marriage rights across Pakistan, reaching 942 students with interactive learning.
CFHR's report on Pakistan-Malaysia migration analyzes trends, abuse, and policy gaps, offering recommendations to improve legal pathways and reduce irregular migration.
CFHR, with Rahat Bakers and Ogilvy, launched the Rights & Delights campaign to raise awareness of women’s marriage rights during wedding season.
CFHR's Panjnad International Moot Court Competition in 2024, with ABA ROLI & Universal College Lahore, saw 27 diverse teams debate family laws & women's rights.
In 2023, CFHR's #InvestToEnd campaign promoted stronger laws, accessible services, and safer environments to combat gender-based violence, reaching over 32,000 people. Initiatives included social media awareness, a bake sale, a seminar on child marriage, and the HeForShe campaign.
On October 4, 2023, CFHR participated in the UNODC Constructive Dialogue on Trafficking in Persons, emphasizing civil society's role in combating trafficking and advocating for evidence-based tools and community-based initiatives. CFHR highlighted the need for effective anti-trafficking measures responsive to vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
This report examines women's access to justice when dissolving marriages in Punjab, focusing on four methods: talaq, khula, delegated divorce, and mutual divorce. The research, conducted in Lahore and Pakpattan, used both quantitative and qualitative methods.
This report, a collaboration between the Centre for Human Rights and the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, with support from Minto & Mirza, examines Pakistani laws affecting Muslim women's marriage rights. It clarifies ambiguities regarding divorce, custody, maintenance, and property, presenting case law concisely.
The Centre for Human Rights and the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative collaborated on a report analyzing Pakistani marriage and family laws. This report, supported by Axis Law Chambers, identifies issues like inconsistent minimum marriage ages and weak women's financial rights post-divorce.
We work across Pakistan, driving legal reform, advocacy, and policy change to protect human rights and empower communities.