Punjab sticks to human rights commitment

LAHORE: The Punjab government is demonstrating a strong commitment to human rights, reflecting its alignment with the UN conventions under the GSP Plus framework.

According to a recent official data submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) obtained by Daily Jang of July 25, 2024, no mercy petitions have been received by the President of Pakistan in relation to the prisoners having death sentences, and during the 2023-2024 period, none were rejected.

The last execution in the province occurred on November 6, 2019, and no further hangings have taken place. In prison reforms, the Punjab Prisons Department has taken decisive steps to reduce overcrowding and improve prisoner welfare.

These include better access to food, clean drinking water, healthcare, and recreational activities. Measures have also been implemented for the treatment of mentally ill prisoners and drug addicts, alongside improved facilities for female and vulnerable prisoners.

According to the data, the issue of enforced disappearances has seen substantial progress, with the Coalition for Enforced Disappearances (CED) resolving 85 percent of the cases since its establishment in 2011. The Punjab authorities have also heightened efforts to prevent mob violence, with SOPs in place and the creation of an Anti-Riot force. Police officers who fail to take preventive action against riots now face strict disciplinary measures.

Punjab’s commitment to human rights extends to freedom of expression, with authorities registering multiple cases against individuals involved in the harassment of journalists, resulting in 59 arrests.

The provincial government has also cracked down on religious intolerance, with a significant number of individuals imprisoned under blasphemy laws, and a large number of religious books banned under Section 99-A of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1898.

The accused persons were imprisoned under 295-A, 295-B and 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). In addition, gender equality efforts have seen progress, with arrests made in connection to discriminatory practices.

The Child Protection and Welfare Bureau continues to take a firm stance against child abuse, with several FIRs registered under The Punjab Destitute and Neglected Children Act 2004. These reforms underscore Punjab’s ongoing efforts to meet international human rights standards while ensuring the safety, security, and dignity of its citizens.