Supreme Court Calls for Effective External Oversight of Police Amid Custodial Torture Concerns
Islamabad — Pakistan’s Supreme Court has stressed the urgent need for an effective and independent external oversight mechanism for the police force, citing recurring incidents of custodial torture and abuses of power. In a strongly worded judgment, the Court reaffirmed that torture is unjustifiable under any circumstances, noting that in some cases, police brutality has…
Islamabad — Pakistan’s Supreme Court has stressed the urgent need for an effective and independent external oversight mechanism for the police force, citing recurring incidents of custodial torture and abuses of power.
In a strongly worded judgment, the Court reaffirmed that torture is unjustifiable under any circumstances, noting that in some cases, police brutality has even resulted in extrajudicial killings. The observation underscores longstanding concerns about systemic gaps in accountability within law enforcement.
The seven-page verdict, authored by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, highlights the constitutional and legal obligations of the state to protect detainees’ rights and ensure transparent investigations into allegations of custodial violence.
Legal analysts say the ruling could pave the way for broader reforms aimed at curbing torture, improving policing standards, and reinforcing human rights protections across the country.
