Staff Reporter
Federal Minister of Human Rights Shireen Mazari has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protect citizens from torture and uphold their fundamental human Rights.
In a statement on the eve of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture the Federal Minister said the government was committed to eliminating the inhumane practice of torture. “We are actively working towards strengthening legislation to effectively criminalize the practice – which violates our Constitution as well as our international commitments.
We also recognize the pervasive issue of the culture of police abuse, and are cognizant of the need for comprehensive police reforms to put an end to torture and extrajudicial killings.
In this regard, the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) has initiated several sensitization and awareness sessions with the police on a range of human rights related issues including respecting the rights of women, children and transgender persons.”
The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June marks the proclamation of the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) – a key international instrument towards eliminating the practice of torture around the world. The recent incident involving the death of George Floyd that sparked worldwide outrage is an important milestone in the global movement towards greater awareness and opposition to the practices of torture and custodial death.
Pakistan has ratified the United Nations Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) – both of which prohibit torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.