ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights convened to address an agenda focused on human rights violations, labor exploitation, child welfare, and delays in law enforcement. Led by Chairperson Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, the meeting at Parliament House called for immediate reports and accountability from officials and agencies involved.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the Committee expressed sorrow over the suicide of sanitary worker Zeeshan Arshad in Gujranwala, linked to wage exploitation. The investigation revealed that Arshad was employed through third-party contractors, initially under a local contractor and later with M/s Imperial Venture – Changyi Kang Joint Venture, until his termination in May 2026. The Committee criticized the Gujranwala Waste Management Company (GWMC) for inadequate responses and financial irregularities in third-party contracts, highlighting that workers received salaries far below the mandated minimum wage.

The Committee demanded the submission of comprehensive records, including salary ledgers and contracts, to investigate these discrepancies. In discussions on cyber defamation, the Chairperson ordered an inquiry against a former contractual employee of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and requested updates on defamation law implementations.

Addressing child begging, the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) proposed a joint task force to overcome funding delays and provide sustainable solutions. The progress in the investigation of Dr. Safdar Rajput’s targeted killing was reviewed, with directions for expedited efforts from law enforcement agencies to ensure justice.

The meeting included participation from several senators and senior officials from relevant departments.