The Right to Life under Siege: Arbitrary Deprivation of Life and Liberty in Pakistan and the UK

Abstract

The right to life forms the foundational core of human existence, encompassing and safeguarding all other fundamental rights. As the Constitution functions as the supreme guarantor of this right, this article critically examines the constitutional provisions of Pakistan and the United Kingdom that protect life and personal liberty. It further presents a comparative analysis of how these states address — or violate — these guarantees. Any arbitrary deprivation of life or liberty constitutes a direct violation of the right to life as recognized under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). This study specifically explores instances of such arbitrary deprivations in Pakistan and the UK, assessing whether the states themselves have been complicit in undermining the constitutional protections they are bound to uphold. By comparing the jurisprudential approaches of both countries, the article demonstrates which state has been more effective in preventing violations of the right to life. Ultimately, this research outlines key guidelines and policy recommendations aimed at minimizing future infringements of life and liberty.