Islamabad: A recent meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, led by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, focused on several pressing matters, including reforms to boost conviction rates in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, the target killing of Ahmed Javed in Lahore, women’s rights in Pakistan, and Afghan visa issues. The committee addressed these critical topics while emphasizing the importance of timely justice and comprehensive policy development.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting included attendance from Senators Khalil Tahir, Poonjo Bheel, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Aimal Wali Khan, and Abid Sher Ali. A briefing from the Ministry of Human Rights highlighted efforts to enhance conviction rates in GBV cases, which had previously been approximately 4% before 2020. Despite the establishment of 480 GBV courts and six Anti-Rape Crisis Cells, conviction rates remain low, particularly in Punjab at 4%, with Sindh highest at 22%. The committee expressed concerns about delays in sexual offence cases and emphasized the need for capacity building in forensic sciences.

In the case of Ahmed Javed’s target killing, the committee questioned the handling of the case under the Anti-Terrorism Act and requested a comprehensive report from Punjab’s police and prosecutor general. The committee also addressed broader law and order concerns, urging action from the Ministry of Interior.

The Jaranwala incident, which involved the burning of Christian community houses, was discussed with a focus on the misuse of religious narratives. The committee called for societal reform through education and requested a detailed report.

The committee also took note of an abduction-turned-murder case in Islamabad, directing authorities to provide a timeline of the investigation within 48 hours. On women’s rights, the committee highlighted gaps in performance and data, urging increased representation of women in the Federal Cabinet and civil services.

Lastly, the committee discussed Afghan visa issues, advocating for humanitarian policies that respect human rights. The meeting concluded with directions for detailed reports on all matters to be submitted in the next session.