Press release

HRCP dissatisfied with court ruling in Perween Rehman case

Lahore, 21 November 2022. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expresses its dissatisfaction over the acquittal of all five persons accused of the murder of Orangi Pilot Project (OPP) director Perween Rehman. Given the gravity of the crime and the substantial evidence on record, including an admissible confession by the principal accused, we believe that justice was not done.

HRCP is also concerned that the accused, once released, will pose a grave and imminent threat to Ms Rehman’s family and her colleagues at OPP. We urge the Sindh government to detain the accused under the relevant laws and to provide her family, colleagues and legal team adequate security.

Ms Rehman’s murder was the product of a system in which the rule of law is easily subverted and human rights defenders must risk their lives to merely do their jobs. Her family has waited over nine years to get justice. The Sindh government must file an immediate appeal against the honourable court’s judgment, while the state as a whole should reflect on its ability to provide justice to victims of violence.

HRCP also expresses its continuing solidarity with Ms Rehman’s family as they proceed to appeal against the verdict before the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Hina Jilani
Chairperson