National Commission for Human Rights

Summary

Established under Act XVI of 2012 in conformity with the Paris Principles, the NCHR consists of a Chairperson (qualified as a Supreme Court judge or possessing human rights expertise), one member per Province/FATA, the National Commission on Status of Women Chairperson, and a minority representative (§3). The Federal Government invites public suggestions, shortlists candidates, and submits names to a Parliamentary Committee for confirmation (§4). Members serve four-year non-renewable terms (§5) and may be removed only under the Supreme Judicial Council procedure (Article 209 of the Constitution) (§6). The Commission holds all civil-court powers including issuing summons, examining witnesses on oath, and compelling document production (§13). It may visit any jail or detention facility (§9(c)), investigate custodial deaths and torture on suo moto basis, and publish inquiry reports together with government responses (§18(e)). Its budget is a specific legislative line item not requiring executive pre-approval for expenditure (§27). Intelligence agencies and Armed Forces operational conduct are excluded from its inquiry jurisdiction. Discipline recommendations are advisory; the Commission refers cases to government or court.