Senate HR panel stresses reforms in NCSW

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Committee on Human Rights has called for urgent reforms in the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) to improve its performance.

The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights held its meeting with the committee chairperson, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, in the chair here at the Parliament Lodges on Monday. The Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) secretary informed the committee about the appointment process for the chairperson of the NCSW. He explained that the position required a minimum of 15 years of experience in women rights protection struggle and other appropriate qualifications.

He added that 15 applications were received this year, of which seven candidates had relevant work experience. “The prime minister will shortlist three candidates, and if the committee reaches consensus on a single candidate, that individual would be cleared for appointment,” he told the committee. He emphasised that the appointment process involved a parliamentary committee, particularly concerning its members.

Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand highlighted the importance of intellectual capacity in recruitment. The committee chairperson, Senator Samina Zehri, also suggested prioritising the recruitment of capable individuals rather than those coming on deputation. The committee members further discussed the laws, rules, and regulations, focusing on details of amendments proposed by the commission and the government’s progress in implementing them.

The NCSW officials mentioned that a complaint cell was functional in the organisation, and relevant organisations receive complaints for follow-up. The MoHR secretary added that the NCSW chairperson had the authority to be aware of such issues and summon anyone for accountability. The officials, while acknowledging the chairperson’s recommendations, agreed that the commission had not been proactive.

Samina Zehri emphasised that the general public was often unaware of where to turn in case of violations or misfortunes. She said that no committee should have unchecked independence and that the authority should rest with the ministry. The chairperson noted that issues such as the denial of rights, abduction, and forced marriages have been discussed previously, but without any meaningful progress. She suggested seeking a performance evaluation report of the NCSW and insisted that those responsible be held accountable and provide answers for the lack of vigilance. She highlighted the alarming increase in abduction and rape cases in the recent years, expressing deep concern.

She also voiced her displeasure over the lack of action against forced marriages, calling it a disgrace to the entire country. The chairperson suggested that the ministry should obtain detailed action reports on cases of rape, domestic violence, murder, and the killing of innocent citizens in Islamabad, rather than merely providing numerical data.

The officials of the Ministry of Human Rights reported that from 2021 to 2023, a total of 13,904 cases were recorded across Pakistan, with 90 of those cases occurring in Islamabad. Additionally, 179 complaints, petitions, and suo motu notices were reported across the country.

The secretary explained that it was usually the police who record such cases, and when a victim seeks assistance, efforts are made to facilitate the victim and provide legal support. He pointed to an Android app called ‘Awaz’, where cases of human rights violations are reported, forwarded to district police officers and authorities concerned, and action is taken accordingly.

Moreover, the chair also asked about the status of death sentences for rape cases. The secretary reported that over the past four years, there had been no death penalties. He clarified that such cases fall under the jurisdiction of the interior ministry.

Samina Zehri suggested holding a session with the participation of the interior ministry and other authorities to ensure thorough checks and balances within the departments concerned. The HR secretary also requested assistance in summoning the IGs of all provinces to share comprehensive data, including information on minorities.

Chairperson Samina Zehri emphasised the committee’s intent to assist the ministry in making a difference, noting that the grim reality of human rights violations is a plight for the entire nation.

The meeting was attended by Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, Senator Poonjo Bheel, Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, the Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR), and senior officials from the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR).