Caption
A photo shows US and Israeli flags projected on the historic walls of the Old City near Hebron Gate in Jerusalem on June 22, 2025. (Getty Images)
Pakistan’s most prominent human rights advocate, Asma Jahangir, discussed the country’s tumultuous social and political history and the outlook for true democratic governance.
Democracy in Pakistan suffers from enduring constraints. The country’s military and religious extremists wield disproportionate influence. Religious minorities, both Muslim and non-Muslim, face systematic discrimination. Journalists and independent television channels exercise self-censorship, while enforced disappearances continue to be carried out with impunity by security forces, particularly in Balochistan. Meanwhile, the elected government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif faces serious challenges, including charges of corruption.
On May 18, Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, joined Asma Jahangir, Pakistan’s leading human rights lawyer and activist, for an in-depth look at the current situation in Pakistan and prospects for change.
Related Events
03
March 2026
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Securing Venezuela’s Freedom after Maduro
Featured Speakers:
Leopoldo López
Joel Frushone
03
March 2026
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Securing Venezuela’s Freedom after Maduro
Please join Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López for a discussion on the future of Venezuelan democracy, the role of civil society in credible political and economic reforms, and the pathway to free and fair elections.
Featured Speakers:
Leopoldo López
Joel Frushone
03
March 2026
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
A Strategic Response to Sino-Russian Cooperation: Perspectives from Europe and the Indo-Pacific
Featured Speakers:
Thomas J. Duesterberg
Justyna Szczudlik
Greg Brown
Moderator:
Masashi Murano
04
March 2026
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Securing America’s Critical Mineral Supply Chain: A Conversation with Congressman Rob Wittman
Featured Speakers:
Mike Gallagher
Congressman Rob Wittman
04
March 2026
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Securing America’s Critical Mineral Supply Chain: A Conversation with Congressman Rob Wittman
Join Distinguished Fellow Mike Gallagher and Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) for a discussion on the congressman’s recently introduced Securing Essential and Critical US Resources and Elements (SECURE Minerals) Act and Congress’s role in securing America’s economic security.
Featured Speakers:
Mike Gallagher
Congressman Rob Wittman
06
March 2026
Virtual Event | Online Only
Evidence over Assumptions: A Return to Proper Policy at the Intersection of Antitrust and IP
Featured Speakers:
Kirti Gupta
Hon. Kathleen O’Malley
Urška Petrovčič
Moderator:
Devlin Hartline
06
March 2026
Virtual Event | Online Only
Evidence over Assumptions: A Return to Proper Policy at the Intersection of Antitrust and IP
Join Hudson for an expert panel discussion on the latest policy developments and what an evidence-based approach means for the future of innovation.
Featured Speakers:
Kirti Gupta
Hon. Kathleen O’Malley
Urška Petrovčič
Moderator:
Devlin Hartline
Related Research
Caption
Luke Coffey and Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Olga Stefanishyna at Hudson Institute on February 23, 2026.
Caption
A police officer stands near the West Kowloon court where Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai’s national security trial took place on August 28, 2025. (Getty Images)
Caption
Retired Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s minister of defense, and Mr. Brian J. Ellis, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of war for African affairs, sign a defense cooperation roadmap in Abuja, Nigeria, on January 23, 2026. (US Army)
