On the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Pakistan on Thursday expressed unwavering solidarity with the victims of torture across the globe and reiterated its commitment to eradicating torture in all its forms.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the government emphasized that Islam upholds the sanctity and dignity of every human being, and any act of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment is contrary to the core Islamic values of justice, mercy, and compassion.

‘Guided by these values and its international obligations, Pakistan remains committed to eradicating torture and strengthening protections for all individuals,’ the statement read. The government highlighted ongoing efforts to introduce legal reforms and reinforce institutional safeguards and oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.

Pakistan also reaffirmed its focus on providing comprehensive support to victims, including medical, legal, and psycho-social assistance. The statement voiced deep concern over the use of torture as a tool of oppression in regions under foreign occupation.

In particular, Pakistan pointed to the suffering of the people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who continue to face ‘the worst forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment’ at the hands of occupying powers.

Pakistan called upon the international community to condemn these violations and hold the responsible parties accountable. It further urged global actors to take decisive steps to alleviate the suffering of victims and support their right to self-determination.

‘On this day, Pakistan reiterates its call on the international community to condemn the crimes of these occupying powers and to help end the plight of the victims of their torture and oppression,’ the statement concluded.