21 November 2022
Staff Report
LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed its dissatisfaction over the acquittal of all five persons accused of the murder of Orangi Pilot Project (OPP) director Perween Rahman.
Given the gravity of the crime and the substantial evidence on record, including an admissible confession by the principal accused, justice was not done according to a press release by HRCP Chairperson Hina Jilani.
HRCP also expressed concern that the accused, once released, will pose a grave and imminent threat to Ms Rehman’s family and her colleagues at OPP. They urged the Sindh government to detain the accused under the relevant laws and to provide the victim’s family, colleagues and legal team adequate security.
Ms Rahman’s murder was the product of a system in which the rule of law is easily subverted and human rights defenders must risk their lives to merely do their jobs. Her family has waited over nine years to get justice.
Human Rights Commission requested the Sindh government to file an immediate appeal against the honourable court’s judgment, and for the state to reflect on its ability to provide justice to victims of violence. The organization expressed solidarity with Ms Rehman’s family as they proceed to appeal against the verdict before the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
