Public Awareness of Fundamental Human Rights and Democratic Values in Pakistan: A Quantitative Study

Abstract

This study examines public awareness of fundamental human rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan and its implications for democratic values and democratic effectiveness. Although Chapter II of the Constitution of Pakistan under its articles ranging from 8 to 28 provides an extensive framework of political, social, legal and religious rights, many citizens remain unable to exercise these guarantees in practice. Employing a descriptive quantitative methodology, data were collected from residents of Sialkot district of Punjab through a structured questionnaire. The results show that while most citizens have an abstract awareness of their rights, they lack the procedural knowledge necessary to assert or enforce them. Additionally, participation based on rights is further limited by a lack of institutional trust. This study emphasizes the need for bolstering constitutional literacy and enhancing institutional transparency and accessibility in order to encourage informed citizenship, rebuild public confidence and boost democratic engagement in Pakistan.