Lahore High Court ordered to transfer all cases of torture, death and rape to FIA.
Justice Ali Zia Bajwa issued a 17-page written decision. Soraya Bibi filed the petition, on which the court was assisted by Mian Ali Haider Advocate.
According to the written judgment, to ensure immediate implementation of the Prevention of Custodial Deaths and Torture Act, 2022, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has exclusive jurisdiction over investigations related to the Act and therefore the police are directed to Avoid getting involved in these matters.
According to the decision, any kind of torture on an accused person for the purpose of obtaining confession or evidence is strictly prohibited. It should also be submitted to the Federal Minister, Ministry of Interior and Government of Pakistan through Home Affairs, to ensure expeditious full implementation of the Act of 2022 and prevent further delay in implementation.
According to the court order, a copy of the decision should be sent to the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Director General of the agency, while the complaint regarding torture, death or rape in police custody should be sent to the agency immediately.
