The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is being observed on Sunday to increase global awareness of the atrocities of torture.

The United Nations in 1997 declared June 26 as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Use of torture is prohibited by the UN convention against torture and other cruel, inhumane, degrading treatment and punishment but many countries still employ methods of torture.

President Dr Arif Alvi has urged the international community and human rights organizations to make all possible efforts to prevent torture and provide redress to people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

In a message on the occasion of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture being observed today [Sunday], the President said torture is a crime against humanity and the situation is particularly grim in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where the people are being subjected to brutal torture by the Indian security forces.

He said torture remains unacceptable and unjustified at all times.

The President said the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 holds the dignity of man inviolable and states that no person shall be subjected to torture.

He said over the years, Pakistan has shown its commitment towards eliminating the practice of torture.

Source: Radio Pakistan