RAWALPINDI:
Enforced disappearance is a grave violation of human rights involving life, liberty, freedom and protection from torture and ill-treatment. A prevalent issue in Pakistan is torture and extrajudicial killings, yet the government has failed to take adequate steps to prevent and punish such acts, as required by its obligations under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Numerous reports highlight torture, custodial deaths and extrajudicial killings by law enforcers, especially in K-P, Balochistan and Sindh. I urge the government to criminalise torture, enforced disappearance and other forms of ill-treatment. It should prosecute allegations regarding such cases, deliver exemplary punishments to criminals and take measures for the rehabilitation and compensation of victims. Authorities in Pakistan employ draconian laws such as sedition and the prevention of electronic crimes to stifle disagreement and silence dissenting voices. This should no longer be tolerated.
I sincerely request the government and regulatory authorities to amend and repeal these laws to align them with international human rights standards. Numerous other human rights violations occur, but at this moment these seem to be the most pressing.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 15th, 2024.
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