ISLAMABAD: Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, led Pakistan’s delegation at the 84th Session of the United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT). The delegation included senior officials from the Ministry of Human Rights and the Punjab prison system.

According to Press Information Department, during a dialogue with the Committee, Pakistan presented its progress in addressing torture and reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating torture in all its forms. The delegation highlighted key legal and policy reforms, strengthened institutional accountability mechanisms, and measures aimed at safeguarding human dignity.

Pakistan underscored its resolve to uphold its international human rights obligations and reiterated its commitment to continued engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. The delegation emphasized that these efforts reflect Pakistan’s determination to strengthen the rule of law and promote the protection of fundamental human rights.

Committee members posed questions to the Pakistani delegation regarding gender-based violence, custodial torture, military courts, detention facilities, and overcrowding in jails. Pakistani delegates responded by outlining the policies, legal, and administrative initiatives taken by various state institutions. Following the review, the UN CAT committee will share their observations to further improve the human rights situation in Pakistan.