Defence of Human Rights and Public Service trust, shortly DHR Pakistan, is an independent non-governmental, non-profit organization that was born out of personal experience of deprivation of human rights of the victims of enforced disappearance, which is a form of torture not only for the victims but for the families of the victims as well.

Our prime work involves striving for freedom, democracy and the rule of law through a three step strategy i.e. research, awareness and action (such as providing legal and economic aid) for the victims of enforced disappearance and torture. Providing such aid is possible only in a democratic political system in which the government is accountable to its own people; the rule of law prevails; freedoms of expression, association, belief, and respect for the rights of everyone irrespective of creed or caste or religion are guaranteed. Non-violent civic initiative is the tool DHR depends upon to reach a point where no one can stand in the way of individual freedom.

DHR Pakistan is one of the very few organizations founded by the victims of human rights violations. The organization is registered under Trust Act 1882 of Pakistan. It was founded by Mrs. Amina Masood Janjua after the abduction of her husband Mr. Masood Janjua on 30th July 2005.

After facing a wall from all directions, regarding Masood’s whereabouts, Amina decided to go for public demonstrations outside Parliament House in Islamabad. The public demonstrations started by one family were soon joined by hundreds of other aggrieved families whose loved ones had disappeared. After the continuous struggle and demonstrations the Supreme Court of Pakistan took suo-motu notice for the missing persons. After this progress Mrs. Amina Masood wrote applications to the Supreme Court for all of the missing persons; hence as a result of public, media and legal pressure many illegal detainees were released.Shortly the struggle for disappeared was shaped in forms of rallies, protests, awareness building through seminars and campaigns, and filing of cases of the Enforced Disappeared.

There are more 2700+ cases of enforced disappearance registered, out of which 900+ have been resolved despite the meagre resources of the organization. Remaining are still missing and are a victim of enforced disappearance.

The efforts included writing letters and meetings with the high ups such as prime minister, president and chief of army staff as well as chief justice of Pakistan. Apart from that, other political parties were approached in person by the chairperson herself. Many international organizations such as Amnesty international, HRCP have been supporting DHR since last10 years. DHR is also a member of AFAD (Asian federation against involuntary disappearances) which is supporting the organization in all the current events. The cases of Enforced Disappearance were also reported to media and International Human Rights Organizations. This issue was raised, debated and Point-of-Orders were obtained many times in the Parliament.

Defence of human rights till now is struggling for all the enforced disappeared in Pakistan and is a symbol of hope for thousands of families whose loved ones are victims of this torture. The Chairperson along with her entire team is confident that their struggle will bring hundreds of people home back to their loved ones. Defence of human rights believes that every citizen has equal right to justice and freedom and hence they will keep on working till the issue of enforced disappearance is resolved.