Senate human rights panel notes progress

ISLAMABAD:

The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights has highlighted the progress in parliamentary oversight, legislative reforms and protection of vulnerable communities during the parliamentary year 2025-26.

The annual report which was presented in Senate stated that the committee remained actively engaged in safeguarding constitutional rights through legislative scrutiny, policy review and accountability measures aimed at strengthening institutional responsiveness across the country.

From February 11, 2025 to February 16, 2026, the committee held 11 meetings and considered eight items referred by the Senate, and presented six reports before the House.

Chairperson of the Committee Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri said the committee remained steadfast in protecting the rights of women, children, minorities, labourers, prisoners and other vulnerable segments of society.

She emphasized that the committee worked to strengthen accountability, improve implementation of laws and enhance coordination among institutions dealing with human rights issues.

The committee took notice of important human rights concerns, including child protection, gender-based violence, workplace harassment, custodial abuse and public safety matters.

It also sought detailed reports from provincial and federal authorities to ensure timely action and transparency.

One of the major focus of the committee remained the protection of children.

The committee reviewed cases related to child kidnapping, trafficking, abuse and violence, while also examining the performance of relevant institutions to improve preventive and investigative mechanisms. The committee also made progress on key legislative initiatives, including deliberations on the National Commission on the Rights of Child (Amendment) Bill 2023.