The Prevalence and Legal Framework of Torture in Pakistan: Analyzing Systemic Challenges

Abstract

Torture functions as a continuous human rights violation within Pakistan despite legislature protections and international duty requirements. The research studies how often torture occurs in law enforcement and police detention facilities while evaluating the existing legal system which aims to stop and ban such actions. The research incorporates data obtained from human rights organizations as well as legal documents together with media reports and interview data which reveal systematic issues like impunity and insufficient legal specifications and weak enforcement methods without independent oversight. Pakistan joined the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) in 2010 but failed to enact domestic legislation which prevented substantial compliance. The authorities use torture during police investigations against women children and members of ethnic groups and these groups constitute the majority of victims. An insufficient approach to making torture criminal leads to both public tolerance and protective immunity practices. The research demonstrates that although judicial bodies sometimes take proactive action they typically lack both adequate capacity and desired support to provide remedy. The research identifies applicable legal and institutional solutions from around the world which Pakistan can use to reduce cases of torture. The author provides actionable policy suggestions that stress immediate legislative action against torture and develop independent oversight organizations and strengthen both police education and victim assistance programs. Resolving Pakistan's torture problems demands comprehensive cultural change throughout the police force and sustained political support in addition to strengthening specific legal protections.

Keywords: Torture, Human Rights, Pakistan, Legal Framework, Police Abuse, UNCAT, Accountability, Judicial Reform, Impunity, Criminal Justice.