State will protect citizens from torture'.

ISLAMABAD -- With an uproar online and in parts of the country over police brutality and excesses, the Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari on Thursday reaffirmed the state's commitment to protect citizens from torture and uphold their fundamental human rights.

She said this in a statement issued on Thursday to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

'We are actively working towards strengthening legislation to effectively criminalise the practice - which violates our Constitution as well as our international commitments,' Mazari said while terming torture an 'inhuman practice'.

'We also recognise the pervasive issue of the culture of police abuse, and are cognizant of the need for comprehensive police reforms to put an end to torture and extrajudicial killings,' she said.

On the efforts made By: her ministry in this regard, Mazari said that they have initiated several sensitisation and awareness sessions with the police on a range of human rights-related issues. These include, among others, respecting the rights of women, children and people who are transgender.

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