Custodial torture is a crime against humanity, widespread use of torture by law enforcement agencies is evidence of a primitive criminal justice system, and these practices must stop.
These views were expressed by speakers at a press conference, jointly organized by Anti-Torture Alliance (ATA)Pakistan, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), in connection with International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (26 June). Human Rights defenders and activists including Asma Jehangir, Bushra Khaliq, Tanveer Jehan, Waqar Mustafa, Nadeem Anthony advocate and Samson Salamat spoke on the occasion.
Speakers said Pakistan ratified the United Nation’s Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) on June 23, 2010, but to date no law is enacted to criminalise the illegal practice of torture. Although Senate of Pakistan passed a toothless bill against torture in January 2015, however, it needs amendments in line with UNCAT. The National Assembly must take up the bill in the light of civil society demands.
Speakers were of the view that in wake of the recently acquired GSP Plus status for Pakistan, the level of State obligation for the effective compliance of UNCAT has further increased. The state report on progress of compliance regarding 27 UN convention including UNCAT is also due within next six months.
