Implementation of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Pursuant to its Article 3: A Case Study of Tribal Area, District Dera Ghazi khan, Pakistan

Abstract

The current study investigated the social factors inhibiting the implementation of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights pursuant to its Article 3, which provides as, “the states parties to the covenant undertake to ensure the equal right of men and women to the enjoyment of civil and political rights.” The region selected for this research was Tribal area of District Dera Ghazi Khan. The rationale behind the selection of this region was that it is included among most backward areas of Pakistan where people, especially women, seldom enjoy civic life. The current study is qualitative in its approach because a social phenomenon is better comprehendible by applying qualitative research tools. In this study, technique of purposive sampling is applied, and findings are based on twenty five in- depth interviews. The study concludes that problems in Implementation do not involve only the inadequate administrative and legal measures but also the social factors such as Patriarchy, Religion, economic condition, Illiteracy, gender discrimination, cultural taboos and traditions, lack of access to means of information and restricted movement. The objective of Article 3 of the covenant can be achieved effectively by mobilizing and sensitizing the society through public awareness programs and intervention policies.