ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Senate on Monday passed a historic bill aimed at ensuring legal and human rights protections for individuals who are arrested, detained or under custodial investigation.
Titled the ‘Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained or under Custodial Investigation Bill’, it was tabled by former chairman Senate and PPP leader Farooq Naek.
Naek told the House that Article 14 of the Constitution declares human dignity inviolable, and the bill formalises rights that are often only extended after lengthy court intervention. These include the right to written reasons for arrest, access to legal counsel, communication with family, proper food and medication, and medical assessment by an independent doctor.
He stressed that under-trial suspects must be treated as innocent until proven guilty, adding that only convicts can lose certain privileges. The legislation also grants detainees the right to remain silent during questioning without a lawyer present, and imposes penalties on police officers who violate this clause.
The bill further mandates that any arrested person must be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours and explicitly prohibits torture, ill-treatment and abuse of authority by law enforcement.
The statement attached to the bill describes it as an attempt to usher in a “human rights revolution” by clearly defining rights of detainees and responsibilities of arresting or investigating officers, while also outlining the mechanism for state-provided legal aid.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said some reservations exist and amendments may be added when the legislation moves to the National Assembly, though he did not oppose its passage.
During the session, the Senate also unanimously passed an amendment to the Fatal Accidents Act, 1855, moved by Shahadat Awan. The change will allow victims’ families to seek interim financial orders during trial, with related cases required to conclude within six months.
