CSOs call for retaining NCHR’s independent status

PESHAWAR: Members of the civil society organisations (CSOs) on Tuesday called for retaining the independent status of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR).

Speaking at a press conference, members of the civil society organisations including women rights activist Rukhshanda Naz, Taimur Kamal and others said the commission was established under the NCHR Act, 2012.

They said the commission was formed to promote and protect the rights of people as envisaged in the Constitution and other international conventions and treaties ratified by Pakistan.

They believed the government was interfering in the affairs of the NCHR which was affecting the performance and working of the commission.

They alleged the government was trying to curtail the powers of the Commission.

The rights activists said the Federal Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights was trying to take administrative control of the NCHR through amendments in the ministry’s rule of business, which they termed violation of NCHR Act 2012.

They complained that the commission was not provided sufficient funds, which was affecting the working of the body.