.
ISLAMABAD:
The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights has highlighted progress in parliamentary oversight, legislative reforms and the protection of vulnerable communities during the 2025-26 parliamentary year.
The annual report presented in the Senate indicated that the committee continued to be actively involved in safeguarding constitutional rights through legislative scrutiny, policy review and accountability measures aimed at strengthening institutional response capacity throughout the country.
From February 11, 2025 to February 16, 2026, the committee held 11 meetings and considered eight items referred by the Senate, and presented six reports to the House.
Committee Chairperson Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri said the committee remained steadfast in protecting the rights of women, children, minorities, workers, prisoners and other vulnerable segments of society.
He highlighted that the committee worked to strengthen accountability, improve the implementation of laws and improve coordination between institutions dealing with human rights issues.
The committee noted significant human rights concerns, including child protection, gender-based violence, workplace harassment, abuse in custody and public safety issues.
It also requested detailed reports from provincial and federal authorities to ensure timely action and transparency.
One of the committee’s main objectives remained the protection of children.
The committee reviewed cases related to child abduction, trafficking, abuse and violence, while examining the performance of relevant institutions to improve prevention and investigation mechanisms. The committee also advanced key legislative initiatives, including deliberations on the National Commission on Child Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
