Lahore, May 31, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) welcomes the Islamabad High Court’s order holding previous and incumbent chief executives accountable for what the court has termed a ‘tacit approval of the policy regarding enforced disappearances.’
It is critical based on the overwhelming evidence to expressly articulate the role of security agencies in using this practice to quell political dissent, deny ordinary citizens the right to due process, and generally build a climate of fear in the name of ‘national security’. The court’s order, if implemented in letter and spirit, may go some way in compensating for the failure of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED) to hold perpetrators accountable.
While the government’s constitution of a seven-member committee to deliberate on a policy on enforced disappearances is also a positive step, any such policy must institute protection and compensation mechanisms for victims and their families. It must also clarify the mandate of security agencies, and commit to closing down internment centres and revoking the arbitrary powers available to state agencies under the KP Action (in Aid of Civil Powers) Ordinance 2019.
The ‘missing’ bill on enforced disappearances should be resurrected and deliberated on further, and the COIED replaced with a judicial commission with an effective and reputable chair. The committee must also lobby strongly for Pakistan to sign the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
For more information, contact:
Chairperson,
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
Aiwan-i-Jamhoor, 107-Tipu Block,
New Garden Town, Lahore-54600
Tel: +92-42-35864994
Fax: +92-42-35883582
Email: hrcp@hrcp-web.org
Website: www.hrcp-web.org