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Zardari endorses formation of National Human Rights Commission
President Asif Ali Zardari signs the National Commission for Human Rights Bill 2012.
President Asif Ali Zardari signed the National Commission for Human Rights Bill 2012 on Wednesday. PHOTO: NNI
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari signed the National Commission for Human Rights Bill 2012 on Wednesday.
The National Human Rights Commission Act was endorsed by the Senate on March 9 and passed by the National Assembly on May 4 this year.
A few months after the bill was signed by the Senate, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) had urged the president to not sign the bill until it was revised to authorise investigations of the military and the intelligence agencies for rights abuses.
The HRW had said that the current bill would “prevent the commission from addressing or investigating human rights violations by members of the armed forces and intelligence agencies.”
The commission includes the chairperson of the National Commission on Status of Women, as well as a member from minorities.
The panel, either on its own or after receiving a petition concerning violation of human rights, will be eligible to seek a report from the federal government.
Also, panel members or any other individual authorised by the body, will be entitled to visit the country’s jails as well as any other detainment centre falling under the authority of the government or the intelligence agencies.
The commission would have the legal authority to summon witnesses and obtain documents, including government documents. However, according to the bill passed, the panel cannot inquire directly into the acts of intelligence outfits.
Reader Comments (21)
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In theory, this is a very good step. Lets hope that it works as intended in practice. Moreover, I totally disagree with HRW’s stand on not signing this law. I know that the human right abuses by military and intelligence agencies are not covered by this law, but still something is better than nothing. At least, the human right abuses by the police and politicians could be scrutinized.
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It can be termed as a very good move towards a respectable cause. All will depend how it works. Hopefully injustice to women, minorities and to other disadvantged segments of society will be addressed effectively by the commission.
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Totally agree with other commentator. Something is better than nothing.
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What good is it when definition of Human Rights is subject to Shariah scrutiny? Only Mullahs will have full human rights in reality.
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I will vote PPP for this great step- Hail President!
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Discriminatory law is worse than no law.It gives powerful even more power to control the weak one.
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Thank you Mr. President. It was need of the moment and a right step in the right direction.
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HRW just wanted to pretend – coz it raised concern after the bill was passed after months of contemplation.
This is a laudable step but if compromising people end up in it – it will be jeopardized. Therefore the commission head and members should be selected very carefully.Recommend
This is not more than just sign a piece of paper without any implementation, sense of responsibility. Mr. President can you elaborate it as per your own perception. In our country Human
rights are violating day by day, its like more powerful people being more power without accepting any laws. Just consider the case of Raymond Davis, Where were Human Rights on that timeRecommend
Let us appreciate a good beginning by PPP and its allies, and hope that the law and the working will improve with time and others including PML(N) and TI will also contribute when ever given a chance.
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Ruling class has suppressed the rights of pakistani people. The real task of “National Human Rights commission” will be assessed as per its contribution towards ensuring rights of people.
Democracy has been hijacked by the ruling class; this will be the 1st test of the commission.
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I was wondering, whole nation is facing worst load shedding, What law or act is being violated ????
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One of the most basic human rights is the right to live a safe and secure life. We have seen what this government has done to the law and order situation in Pakistan. People are being assassinated on a hourly basis and he’s busy signing away some piece of paper which will have no weight just like everything else. This government has no shame whatsoever. Imran Khan is the ONLY one who will work towards solving the countries pressing problems before it completely becomes a failed state.
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@Naveed Javed:
There’s nothing great about this. It is just a worthless piece of paper just like all the others.
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And another commission is formed like hundreds other ………..and I’m sure that all these commissions are formed just to earn commision!!!!
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Mr. Zardari will be remembered as a great democrat by the history.
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how about human right abuse through corruption and plundering? a law is as good as the Gov’s ability to apply it across the board without discrimination… it’s good to have the law under the pen for signature, but how about having himself under the law :-(
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In a country where the Supreme Court’s verdicts are defied by the rulers, their announcement of a ‘National Human Rights Commission’ is a cruel joke.
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This is a good first step in the right direction. Yet another feather in the cap of secular democratic coalition, despite all the opposition from the mullahs and their cronies. Military and agencies are the exception and it is only “fair” because they do not follow any laws anyway. Generals and judges remain above the constitution.
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A sick joke.
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This is a good step to right direction.We are hopeful that police of Pakistan and responsible of shelter homes of pakistan may be learn something about the human rights.And will make sure the protection of human rights of all who reach them for searching of protection as per their oath.While the most Important question is who will teach them human rights?????
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