The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed serious worries to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the extensive use of torture and other cruel treatments in detention centers across Pakistan. On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the HRCP highlighted the inadequacy of Pakistan’s legal framework in preventing such acts. Despite the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act of 2022, the HRCP pointed out that the law’s definition of torture lacks consideration for mental and psychological suffering.
The HRCP emphasized that the TCDA assigns investigative authority solely to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which raises concerns about conflicts of interest due to the agency’s officers being from the police service. The National Commission for Human Rights oversees investigations, but doubts persist about the FIA’s independence, undermining accountability. The HRCP cautioned that the lack of systematic monitoring and reporting conceals the true extent of torture in detention facilities from policymakers and international accountability mechanisms.
The HRCP urged the Pakistani government to amend the TCDA to explicitly include mental and psychological suffering as forms of torture and establish criminal liability for psychological torture. They also called for ensuring victims of psychological torture have access to remedies and reparations in line with international obligations. Furthermore, the HRCP demanded an independent investigation into torture allegations, removal of procedural delays, clarification of oversight powers, and public disclosure of findings.
