Press release
COIED chairperson must be removed if allegations proved
Lahore, 8 July 2022. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) takes serious note of the allegation of sexual harassment against Justice (Retired) Javed Iqbal—chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED) and former chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)—as well as other NAB officials.
It is of grave concern to HRCP that these allegations were levelled by a woman who had approached Justice (Retired) Iqbal in his capacity as COIED chairman—a position in which he was responsible for protecting Ms Gul’s testimony and securing her right to seek justice for a missing relative.
Not only has Justice (Retired) Iqbal allegedly abused his office in two capacities, but he has also failed to appear before the Public Accounts Committee to answer these charges. The allegations against him and other public officials must be investigated with transparency and independence, and he should be removed from office if these allegations are proved. HRCP shall follow up this demand for investigation and the process in the Public Accounts Committee.
Hina Jilani
Chairperson