Speakers call for judicial reforms on Death Penalty Day

Speakers call for judicial reforms on Death Penalty Day

LAHORE: Speakers at a gathering in Lahore called for judicial reforms, transparent investigations and equal treatment under the law, stressing that no innocent person should face execution.

Redemption Pakistan organised the event at a local hotel on Saturday to mark the World Day Against the Death Penalty, in collaboration with Rawadari Tehreek and Faith & Justice Women Alliance. Held under the theme “Stories for Life,” the gathering brought together around 150 participants, including lawmakers, religious leaders, lawyers, journalists, academics, students and former prisoners.

Redemption Pakistan Executive Director Aroon Arthur opened the event by highlighting the right to life and the importance of reconciliation. He urged leaders and citizens to work together to build a just and inclusive society.

Rawadari Tehreek Chairman Samson Salamat warned that continued human rights violations could threaten Pakistan’s GSP+ trade benefits from the European Union. He also called for safeguards against excessive state restrictions on freedom of expression.

During a panel discussion on human rights, Reuters senior journalist Mubasher Bukhari highlighted flaws in criminal investigations and the danger of wrongful convictions. He referred to a case involving a man who reportedly spent 18 years in prison despite maintaining his innocence.

South Asia Partnership Pakistan Director Irfan Mufti argued that capital punishment could not address fundamental weaknesses in the justice system, including lengthy court proceedings and unequal access to justice. He also emphasised Pakistan’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Former Punjab human rights minister and MPA Ejaz Alam Augustine called judicial reform essential to preventing miscarriages of justice. Meanwhile, Laiba Imran of the Centre for Human Rights Education Pakistan said efforts to combat violence against women must also challenge deeply rooted patriarchal attitudes.

A second panel explored religious perspectives on punishment, forgiveness and reconciliation. Unity Assist Foundation Chairman Dr Badar Munir Majdadi discussed the Islamic principles of qisas, diyat and forgiveness, emphasising justice and the protection of rights. Rev Amjad Niamat highlighted Christian teachings on compassion and reconciliation, noting that forgiveness should not be seen as weakness.

Kulsoom Fatima underscored the importance of women’s education in creating a fairer society. Qari Mohsin and Rev Obaid Khokhar of the National Council of Churches in Pakistan also shared their views.

Former prisoners performed a song written by the late Aftab Bahadur, who was convicted as a juvenile and executed in 2015.

Redemption Pakistan said its efforts had helped save 48 people from death row and secure the release of more than 550 prisoners.