The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, on Wednesday expressed serious concern over low conviction rates in rape cases and called for comprehensive policy responses on human rights and immigration issues.
The committee was briefed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, who revealed that the overall conviction rate in human rights-related cases stood at just four percent in 2020, though gradual improvement has been observed since 2021.
During the session, province-wise data on rape convictions was presented. Sindh recorded the highest conviction rate at 22 percent, followed by Balochistan at 12 percent. The rate stood at 6.9 percent in Islamabad and 6 percent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Punjab reported the lowest rate at 4 percent.
Senator Khalil Tahir questioned the delays in the justice system, asking why justice could not be delivered swiftly when crimes occur within hours.
Chairperson Zehri voiced frustration over the lack of progress, stating that committee meetings were being held regularly but with little tangible outcome.
Highlighting recent incidents, she referred to a reported rape case involving a bus conductor in Punjab and termed the broader situation as deeply troubling.
She also pointed to security challenges, recounting a past incident in Balochistan where she came under heavy fire but restrained her guards to avoid escalation.
Senator Abid Sher Ali noted that law and order remains a provincial responsibility, stressing the need for stronger enforcement at the local level.
The committee also discussed visa and immigration issues concerning Afghan nationals. Officials from the Ministry of Interior stated that there was no gender-based discrimination in visa policies and that individuals residing illegally in the country would be repatriated.
Senator Aimal Wali Khan raised questions over the presence of undocumented foreign nationals, including Afghans, and called for a clear and humane nationality policy for those who have been residing in Pakistan for decades without criminal records. He also highlighted historical policies that had facilitated Afghan settlement in the country.
The Interior Ministry officials responded that national security considerations must be taken into account while formulating such policies.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the committee sought detailed reports on immigration policies and human rights enforcement, signaling further scrutiny in upcoming sessions.
