Un day Against torture: Torture rampant in Pakistan, states HRCP

LAHORE: On the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) jointly called on the government of Pakistan to show its commitment to abolish torture. A statement issued on Thursday called for effectively implementing the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT). “Four years ago, Pakistan ratified UNCAT and thereby committed itself to eradicating torture. Yet torture remains one of the most serious human rights problems in Pakistan,” said Zohra Yusuf, chairperson of the HCRP. Likewise, the government has not enacted the legislation necessary to implement the UNCAT domestically. Quite the contrary, the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance, a draft law pending before the Senate, arms law enforcement with unbridled powers to arrest or shoot anyone suspected of terrorism.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2014.