Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Torture Persists in Pakistan Detention Facilities
A group of people who care about human rights in Pakistan met to talk about a big problem: people in prisons and other detention places are still being hurt and treated badly.
Even though Pakistan made a law in 2022 that says this is not allowed, the law isn’t being followed well.
The people at the meeting said that the police and other officials need clear rules to stop this.
They also said that the government should sign a special agreement that lets other people check prisons without warning.
The meeting was held in 2026, after the United Nations said the same problems were still happening.
The main message is that Pakistan must do more to protect people in detention.
Torture and ill‑treatment continue in Pakistani detention facilities despite the 2022 anti‑torture law.
HRCP’s roundtable highlighted weak safeguards, lack of accountability, and poor implementation of the law.
UN Committee against Torture (CAT) reiterated concerns from 2017 in its 2026 review, noting ongoing abuses.
HRCP urged ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) for independent inspections.
The use of internment centres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was called for abolition or integration into civilian prisons with oversight.
- Who
- Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, legal experts, government representatives, civil society organisations
- What
- Report on ongoing torture and ill‑treatment in Pakistani detention facilities
- When
- During a roundtable in 2026, following the 2026 UN review and May 2026 CAT concerns
- Where
- Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
- Why
- Poor implementation of the 2022 anti‑torture law, weak safeguards, and lack of accountability
- Country
- Pakistan
- Issue
- Torture in detention facilities
- Legal Framework
- Anti‑torture law (2022)
- Key Concern
- Weak safeguards and lack of accountability
- Recommendation
- Ratify OPCAT and establish independent oversight