The United Nations Human Rights Committee, also known as the Committee on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR), has placed Pakistan under intense scrutiny due to alleged widespread rights violations across the country. During a review session in Geneva under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the committee raised alarming questions about various human rights abuses, ranging from the suppression of protests to the treatment of minorities and the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations.
Enforced Disappearances and Excessive Force
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted by the UN Rights Committee was the alarming increase in enforced disappearances since 2017. The committee cited information from the Working Group on Involuntary Disappearances, which reported the highest number of disappearances over the last five years. These disappearances are not limited to a specific group but affect a wide range of individuals, including political opponents, their family members, journalists, students, and human rights defenders.
The committee expressed particular concern about the use of enforced disappearances as part of Pakistan’s anti-terrorist policy and as a potential tool to suppress minority communities such as the Ahmadi and Pashtun. Short-term enforced disappearances were also noted, with the committee pointing out cases where individuals were disappeared and then reappeared to face trial in military courts.
The excessive use of force by police, especially against peaceful demonstrators, was another significant issue raised during the review. The committee highlighted incidents in September and October where police used disproportionate force against protesters and noted a lack of investigation into these rights violations.
Counter-Terrorism Measures and Legal Definitions
Rights Violations in the context of counter-terrorism efforts were scrutinized by the UN body. The committee questioned the narrowing definition of terrorism in Pakistan’s legal framework, which appears to contradict international standards. Concerns were raised about provisions in the Anti-Terrorism Act that allow police to seize, search, and arrest without warrants, potentially infringing on civil liberties.
The definition and treatment of torture in Pakistan’s legal system also came under fire. The committee expressed alarm at the lack of punishment for custodial deaths and torture, noting that cases were often filed under the Pakistan Penal Code, which leaves significant gaps in enforcement. They called for a redefinition of torture to include psychological torture alongside physical abuse.
Climate Change and Vulnerable Populations
In a notable expansion of human rights considerations, the committee addressed the right to life in the context of climate change. Pakistan’s recent experiences with severe climate events, resulting in massive displacement and damage to harvests, were highlighted. The committee sought information on Pakistan’s adaptation plans and sustainable policies for replacing fossil fuels, expressing concern over attacks on environmental defenders and activists.
Death Penalty and Women’s Rights
The continued use of capital punishment in Pakistan, including for offenses such as blasphemy and drug-related crimes, was questioned by the committee. They inquired about any progress towards abolishing the death penalty or at least commuting sentences for crimes not considered “most serious” in nature.
Gender equality and discrimination against women were also key topics of discussion. The committee pointed out the absence of female members in the Pakistani delegation and expressed concerns about violence against women, including acid attacks. They also noted that sexual harassment in public places is not considered a crime in Pakistan, raising questions about the effectiveness of legal protections for women.
Accountability and Transparency
The selective application of accountability laws in Pakistan was another area of concern for the UN Rights Committee. They highlighted reports suggesting that anti-corruption measures are often politically motivated and that key institutions like the judiciary and military are subject to internal disciplinary systems rather than external oversight. The committee sought details on measures to ensure effective and unbiased investigations, as well as information on how transparency is maintained in these internal anti-corruption mechanisms.
The review by the UN Human Rights Committee has shed light on a wide range of rights violations in Pakistan, challenging the country to address these issues comprehensively. From the alarming frequency of enforced disappearances to the need for better protections for women and minorities, the committee’s questions reflect deep-seated concerns about the state of human rights in the country.
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