July 12, 2024
By Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD:
The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, convened today at the Parliament Lodges in Islamabad to address pressing concerns about the performance of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW).
Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, Senator Poonjo Bheel, Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) Allah Dino Khawaja, and senior officials attended the meeting from both the NCSW and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR).
During the session, Khawaja provided an update on the appointment process for the NCSW chairperson and emphasised the stringent criteria required, including a minimum of 15 years of experience in women’s rights and relevant qualifications for the appointment of the chairperson. He informed the committee that 15 applications were received this year, with seven candidates meeting the experience and qualifications criteria. “The prime minister will shortlist three candidates, from whom the final appointment will be made after committee approval,” he said.
Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand stressed on the importance of intellectual capacity in the recruitment process. Senator Zehri underscored the need to prioritise competence over appointments made on deputation.
The committee also reviewed existing laws, rules, and regulations, focusing on amendments proposed by the commission and the government’s progress in implementing them.
Senator Zehri laid stress on the urgency of these reforms and called for the recruitment of capable individuals who can effectively fulfill their duties. She directed the ministry to conduct a comprehensive review of the department, citing significant issues with its current mechanisms, and recommended serious measures for implementation.
Officials from the NCSW mentioned the existence of a complaint cell that forwards grievances to relevant organisations for follow-up. Khawaja noted that the NCSW chairperson holds the authority to address these issues and can summon individuals for accountability. However, he admitted that the commission has not been as proactive as needed. Senator Zehri said that the public often remains unaware of where to seek help for rights violations and stressed the importance of ministry oversight to prevent any committee from operating with unchecked independence.
Senator Zehri expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in abduction and rape cases in recent years, condemning the lack of action against forced marriages and calling it a national disgrace. She demanded that the ministry obtain detailed action reports on cases of rape, domestic violence, murder, and other crimes, rather than merely providing statistical data.
MoHR officials reported that from 2021 to 2023, 13,904 cases were recorded across Pakistan, with 90 cases occurring in Islamabad. Additionally, 179 complaints, petitions, and suo motu notices were reported nationwide.
Khawaja clarified that the police typically record such cases and that efforts are made to assist victims and provide legal support. He also mentioned the “Awaz” Android app, which allows for the reporting of human rights violations, forwarding them to district police officers and relevant authorities for action.
Senator Zehri inquired about the status of death sentences in rape cases, to which Khawaja responded that no death penalties have been enforced over the past four years, noting that such cases fall under the Ministry of Interior’s jurisdiction. She recommended a joint session with the Interior Ministry and other authorities to ensure thorough oversight within the concerned departments. The secretary requested assistance in summoning the Inspectors General (IGs) of all provinces to provide comprehensive data, including information on minorities.