Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the transfer of all cases of custodial torture, deaths, and rape to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
LHC judge Justice Ali Zia Bajwa, in a 17-page order, issued on Suraiya Bibi’s plea ordered the immediate enforcement of the Custodial Death and Torture Prevention Act, 2022.
“The issue of enforcing the Custodial Death and Torture Prevention Act, 2022, should be formally brought to the attention of the Punjab chief minister,” the order stated and added, “This matter should also be presented to the Federal Minister for the Interior through the Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan. Ensure swift and complete implementation of the 2022 Act to prevent further delays in enforcement.”
The court also directed its office to send a copy of the decision to the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the FIA director-general. “Complaints of torture, death, or rape in police custody should be immediately referred to the FIA,” it added.
The order further stated that the FIA has exclusive jurisdiction over investigations related to this act. It instructed the police to avoid involvement in these matters. According to the order, any form of torture to obtain confessions or evidence from an accused is strictly prohibited.