News Desk
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a detailed written judgment condemning custodial torture and extrajudicial killings by law enforcement officials, affirming that the state is constitutionally bound to protect every citizen’s right to life.
The seven-page ruling, authored by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, emphasized that any form of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment—including actions that undermine personal dignity—is unequivocally unlawful. The court noted that in some instances, police resort to such practices under the presumption of immunity, attempting to bring alleged offenders to justice, which can tragically lead to extrajudicial killings.
To prevent such abuses, the Supreme Court stressed the necessity of effective, specialized, and external oversight of the police force. The judgment described the right to life as the supreme human right, imposing a constitutional duty on the state to ensure that custodial torture and unlawful killings are stopped. The court reiterated that guarantees against illegal detention, abuse, torture, and extrajudicial killings are fundamental constitutional and legal principles.
The ruling stated that illegal detention and abuse are neither desirable nor justifiable under any circumstances. Upholding fundamental rights is essential to ensuring a safe and fair society, and the police, as guardians of the law, are obligated to protect every individual’s life, liberty, and dignity.
Any harm caused without adherence to legal processes constitutes a violation not only of fundamental rights but also of the right to a fair trial. The Supreme Court also clarified that any conduct contrary to constitutional and legal requirements—including mistreatment, cruelty, or torture—amounts to a criminal act and constitutes misconduct.
