Islamabad: The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, convened to discuss gender-based violence (GBV) and the situation of Pakistanis imprisoned abroad.
Senator Sherry Rehman highlighted the persistent failure of the justice system, noting that 70% of GBV incidents go unreported, and among reported cases, the national conviction rate hovers around five percent, with certain categories as low as 0.5% and domestic violence convictions at only 1.3%.
Provincial data presented during the session revealed:
Islamabad Capital Territory: 22 honour-killings reported, zero convictions; 176 rape cases, seven convictions
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 143 honour-killings, zero convictions; 258 rape cases, one conviction
Sindh: 243 rape cases, 0 convictions; 375 domestic violence cases, 0 convictions
Balochistan: 32 honour-killings, 0 convictions; 21 rape cases, 0 convictions; 185 kidnapping/abduction cases, 0 convictions; 160 domestic violence cases, 25 convictions
Punjab: 225 honour-killings, only 2 convictions
Senator Rehman stressed that without a functioning justice system, no legislation can adequately protect women.
Senator Zehri expressed concern over the difficulties victims face in accessing courts. The Committee noted that women constitute only 1-1.5% of police personnel, medico-legal procedures are flawed, DNA evidence is mishandled, investigations take over 1.6 months, and challans may take up to five months, all weakening prosecution efforts.
The Committee recommended inviting the Advocate General to the next meeting and urged coordination among police, prosecution, and medical authorities to address systemic failures. Representatives from all four provinces and the ICT will be called, with reports shared at least three days in advance.
Senator Marri raised concerns over day-care facilities, noting many lacked basic amenities such as attached bathrooms, stressing that children cannot remain in inadequate conditions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Committee was also briefed on Pakistanis imprisoned abroad, including the number of detainees, legal assistance, consular access, repatriation efforts, and challenges in securing releases. Officials highlighted trafficking networks exploiting citizens through fraudulent visas via the Middle East and Africa to Europe.
Senator Zehri emphasized that families are often misled by mafias and placed in life-threatening situations abroad. She called for awareness campaigns on travel risks, including drug trafficking, through social media and airport coordination with departments like the ANF.
Officials briefed the Committee on recent crackdowns, arrests of traffickers, cooperation with international partners, and regular repatriation of deportees. The Chairperson reiterated the need for a coordinated national strategy, stricter checks on fake documents and visas, and a unified system to monitor traffickers and protect citizens' rights abroad.
In attendance were Senators Qurat ul Ain Marri, Hafiz Abdul Karim, Poonjo Bheel, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Atta ul Haq, Sherry Rehman, Chairperson NCHR, and senior officials from relevant departments.