LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed its serious concern at “lack of transparency” in prolonged detention of women associated with the PTI, arrested following the May 9 riots.

In a statement, the HRCP says the PTI women leaders and activists have been arrested for over three months and it is not clear how many women are currently in jail, what they have been charged with, where they have been detained, which courts they are to be presented in and whether challans have been issued for their remand.

Terming this situation unacceptable, the HRCP reminds the state that under Section 167 of the Criminal Procedure Code, women cannot be remanded into state custody except in cases of serious crimes.

It says the state is duty-bound to ensure that the detention of any citizen follows not only legal procedure, but the details of their detention are also made publicly available, so that their right to due process can be protected.

The HRCP observes with alarm that such treatment has, historically, been meted out to political workers of parties that fell out of favour with state institutions. This cycle must end now, it demanded.

The commission is also concerned over the allegations that former prime minister Imran Khan is being detained in Attock Jail in conditions that violate the Pakistan Prison Rules 1978. The Punjab Prisons Department must investigate these allegations and ensure that Mr Khan receives the facilities to which he is entitled according to his prison class, it demands.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2023