Torture persists in Pakistan detention despite anti-torture law: HRCP

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has reported that torture and cruel treatment continue in the country's detention facilities despite the 2022 anti-torture law, citing weak safeguards and a persistent lack of accountability. The observations came during a roundtable held as part of the HRCP's 'Against Torture' campaign, attended by legal experts, government representatives and civil society organisations.

Hina Jilani, former HRCP chairperson, said preventing psychological torture is as important as physical torture because its consequences can be equally severe. Lawyer Asad Jamal noted that the UN Committee against Torture reiterated in Pakistan's 2026 review many of the concerns it had raised in 2017, showing that structural problems enabling torture have not been addressed. The HRCP has written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing grave concern over widespread torture.

The rights body called for clear protocols to prevent arbitrary detention and amendment of prison rules in line with human rights principles. It urged Pakistan to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture to allow unannounced inspections of all places of detention. HRCP member Farhatullah Babar warned about internment centres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying they should be abolished or brought under civilian prison oversight.