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National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012

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THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ACT, 2012

THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ACT, 2012 ACT No. XVI OF 2012 [30th May, 2012] An Act to provide for the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the creation of a National Commission for Human Rights, for the purposes of promotion and protection of human rights as provided for in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the various international instruments to which Pakistan is a state party or shall become a state party; It is hereby enacted as follows:—

CHAPTER-I PRELIMINARY

Section 1. Short title, extent and commencement

(1) This Act may be called the National Commission for Human rights Act, 2012.

(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan except Chapter V which shall extend to the Islamabad Capital Territory.

(3) It shall come into force at once.

Section 2. Definitions

In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,—

(a) “armed forces” means army, navy, air force and all other civil armed forces including military intelligence agencies;

(b) “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the Commission, as appointed under section 4;

(c) “Commission” means National Commission for Human Rights constituted under section 3;

1[(ca) "Division concerned" means the Division to which business of this Act stands allocated;]

(d) “human rights” means the rights relating to life, liberty and dignity of the individual guaranteed and included in the international instruments including political and women rights;

1Ins. by Act No. VII of 2026, s.2

(e) “member” means a member of the Commission and includes the Chairperson;

(f) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; and

(g) “public servant” means a public servant defined under section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860).

CHAPTER-II ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Section 3. Establishment of Commission

(1) The Federal Government shall constitute a Commission to be known as the National Commission for Human Rights to exercise the powers and perform the functions under this Act.

(2) The Commission shall consist of —

(a) a Chairperson, who has been, or is qualified to be, a judge of the Supreme Court or a person having demonstrable knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights;

(b) one member from each Province 1[****] and Islamabad Capital Territory having demonstrable knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights;

(c) Chairperson of the National Commission on Status of Women;

(d) one member from minority communities; and

(e) a Secretary, who shall be appointed by the Commission:

Provided that of the total membership of the Commission, at-least two shall be women members.

(3) A member shall not be less than forty years of age and shall have knowledge and experience relating to human rights.

(4) The headquarters of the Commission shall be at Islamabad and it may establish its offices at other place or places in Pakistan as it may consider appropriate.

1Omitted by Act No. VII of 2026, s.3

(5) The Commission shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal with powers, among other, to acquire, hold and dispose of any property and shall sue and be sued by the said name.

(6) All members of the Commission shall work on full time basis on prescribed terms and conditions and the Chairman on ceasing to hold office shall be inelligible for holding any office of profit in the Government, Federal or Provincial, for a period of two years:

Provided that it shall not apply to the Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women.

Section 4. Appointment of Chairperson and members

(1) The 1[Division concerned] shall, through public notice, invite suggestions for suitable persons for appointment as Chairperson and members of the Commission and, after proper scrutiny, shall submit a list of these persons to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.

(2) The Prime Minister shall in consultation with the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly forward three names for each post to a Parliamentary Committee for hearing and confirmation of any one person for each post:

Provided that in case there is no consensus between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, each shall forward separate lists to the Parliamentary Committee.

(3) The Parliamentary Committee shall be constituted by the Speaker of the National Assembly consisting of the following four members, namely:—

(a) two members from the Senate; and

(b) two members from the National Assembly:

Provided that when the National Assembly is dissolved, the total membership of the Parliamentary Committee shall consist of the members from the Senate only as mentioned in paragraph (a) and the provisions of this section shall, mutatis-mutandis, apply:

Provided further that out of the four members of the Committee, two shall be from the Treasury Benches, one from each House and two from the Opposition Benches, one from each

House. The nomination of members from the Treasury Benches shall be made by the Leader of the House and from the Opposition Benches by the Leader of the Opposition.

(4) The Parliamentary Committee shall regulate its own procedure.

(5) The Parliamentary Committee shall forward the names of the nominees confirmed by it to the President, who shall appoint the Chairperson and members accordingly.

1Subs. by Act No. VII of 2026, s.4

Section 5. Term of office of Chairperson and of members

(1) A person appointed as Chairperson or a member shall hold office for a term of four years from the date on which he enters upon his office 1[, however, upon the expiry of the term, the Chairperson shall continue to hold office till the appointment of a new Chairperson]:

Provided that the term of office may be extended once in the manner provided in section 4.

(2) The Chairperson or a member may resign from his office in writing under his hand addressed to the President and on acceptance of the resignation, such vacancy shall be filled within sixty days.

Section 6. Removal of the Chairperson and members

The Chairman and members may be removed from office on the grounds and in the manner provided for in Article 209 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Section 7. Acting Chairperson

At any time when the Chairperson is absent or unable to perform the duties of his office for any reason, or in the event of the vacancy in the office of the Chairperson by reason of his death, resignation or otherwise, the members of the Commission shall elect an Acting Chairperson from amongst themselves until the incumbent Chairperson resumes his office, or as the case may be, until the appointment of a new Chairperson to fill such vacancy which shall not exceed sixty days.

Section 8. Terms and conditions of service of members including Chairperson

The salaries and allowances payable to, and terms and conditions of service of the members, other than ex-officio member, shall be such as may be prescribed by the Federal Government in consultation with the Commission:

Provided that neither the salary and allowances nor the terms and conditions of service of a member shall be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment. CHAPTER-III MANAGEMENT AND PROCEDURES OF THE COMMISSION

Section 9. Functions of the Commission

The Commission shall perform all or any of the following functions, namely:—

(a) suo-moto or on a petition presented to it by a victim or any person on his behalf, inquire into complaints of—

(i) violation of human rights or abetment thereof; or

(ii) negligence in the prevention of such violation, by a public servant;

1Ins. by Act No. VII of 2026, s.5

(b) intervene in any proceeding involving any allegation of violation of human rights pending before a court by making application for becoming a party to the proceedings before such court;

(c) notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the Commission or any person authorized by it may visit any jail, place of detention or any other institution or place under the control of the Government or its agencies, where convicts, under trial prisoners, detainees or other persons are lodged or detained for purposes of ascertaining the legality of their detention as well as to find out whether the provisions of the applicable laws or other provisions relating to the inmates living conditions and their other rights are being complied with;

(d) review the safeguards provided by or under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan or any other law for the time being in force for the protection of human rights and recommend adoption of new legislation, the amendment of existing laws and the adoption or amendment of administrative measures for their effective implementation:

Provided that if requested by the Government, the Commission may examine any legislation and submit its views thereon and comment on the implication of the same for legislation;

(e) review the factors, including acts of terrorism, that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures;

(f) study treaties, other international instruments on human rights and reports submitted by the Government of Pakistan on them including the comments thereon, to make recommendations for their effective implementation;

(g) undertake and promote research in the field of human rights, maintain database on the complaints on violence of human rights received and development of human rights norms;

(h) spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and promote awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through publications, print and electronic media, seminars and other available means in all major languages of the country;

(i) direct investigation and inquiry in respect of any incident of violation of human rights;

(j) submit independent reports to the Government on the state of human rights in Pakistan for incorporation in reports to United Nations’ bodies or committees;

(k) develop a national plan of action for the promotion and protection of human rights; and

(l) such other functions as it may consider necessary for the promotion of human rights.

Section 10. Procedure of the Commission

(1) The Commission shall regulate its own procedure.

(2) All orders and decisions of the Commission shall be authenticated by the Secretary or any other officer of the Commission duly authorized by the Chairperson in this behalf.

(3) The quorum for a meeting of the Commission shall not be less than one-half of the total membership of the Commission.

(4) The decision of the Commission shall be taken by the majority of its members present and, in case of a tie, the member presiding the meeting shall have a casting vote.

Section 11. Advisory Committee

The Commission may constitute an advisory committee consisting of human rights activists, civil society organizations, members of bar associations, members of press clubs and such other representatives of the Federal and Provincial Governments as may be concerned with the functions of the Commission:

Provided that the members of the advisory committee shall perform their functions in an honorary capacity to assist the Commission in their areas of competence and expertise.

CHAPTER-IV INQUIRIES AND INVESTIGATIONS

Section 12. Inquiry into complaints

(1) The Commission while inquiring into the complaints of violations of human rights may call for information or report from the Federal Government or a Provincial Government or any other authority or organization, subordinate thereto, within such time as may be specified by it:

Provided that if the information or report is not received within the time stipulated by the Commission, it may proceed to inquire into the complaint on its own:

Provided further that in case the complaint relates to areas that are security sensitive, the Commission shall obtain a report within fifteen days from the Federal Government and if the report is not received within thirty days the Commission may proceed to inquire into complaint on its own:

Provided also that if on receipt of information or report, the Commission is satisfied either that no further inquiry is required or that the required action has been initiated or taken by the concerned Government or authority, it may not proceed with the complaint and inform the complainant accordingly.

(2) Without prejudice to anything contained in sub-section (1), if the Commission considers necessary, having regard to nature of the complaint, it may initiate an inquiry.

(3) if at any stage of the inquiry, the Commission—

(a) considers it necessary to inquire into the conduct of any person; or

(b) is of the opinion that the reputation of any person is likely to be prejudicially affected by the inquiry, it shall give to that person a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the inquiry and to produce evidence in his defence:

Provided that nothing in this section shall apply where the credit of a witness is being impeached.

Section 13. Powers relating to inquires

(1) The Commission shall, while inquiring into complaints under this Act, have all the powers of a civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), in respect of the following matters, namely:—

(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath;

(b) discovery and production of documents;

(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;

(d) requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;

(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents; and

(f) any other matter which may be prescribed.

(2) The Commission shall have power to require any person, subject to any privilege which may be claimed by that person under any law for the time being in force, to furnish information on such points or matters as, in the opinion of the Commission, may be useful for, or relevant to, the subject-matter of the inquiry and any person so required shall be deemed to be legally bound to furnish such information within the meaning of section 176 and section 177 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860).

(3) The Commission shall be deemed to be a civil court to the extent that is described in sections 175, 178, 179, 180 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860). If the offence is committed in the view or presence of the Commission, the Commission may, after recording the facts constituting the offence and the statement of the accused as provided for in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), forward the case to a Magistrate having jurisdiction to try the same and the Magistrate to whom any such case is forwarded shall proceed to hear the complaint against the accused as if the case has been forwarded to him under section 346 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).

(4) Every proceeding before the Commission shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding within the meaning of sections 193, 196 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860).

(5) The Commission shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of section 195 and Chapter XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).

Section 14. Procedure with respect to armed forces

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force while dealing with the complaints of human rights violations by the members of the armed forces, the Commission shall adopt the following procedure, namely:—

(a) it may either on its own motion or on receipt of a petition, seek a report from the 1[Defence Division] on complaint or violation;

(b) after the receipt of the report it may either not proceed with the complaint or, as the case may be, make its recommendations to the 1[Defence Division].

(2) The Federal Government shall inform the Commission of the action taken on the aforesaid recommendations within three months or such extended time as the Commission may deem appropriate.

(3) The Commission shall publish its report together with its recommendations made under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) and the action taken by the Federal Government.

(4) The Commission shall provide a copy of the report published under sub-section (3) to the petitioner or his representative.

Section 15. Procedure with respect to intelligence agencies

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the functions of the Commission do not include inquiring into the act or practice of intelligence agencies and where a complaint is made to the Commission alleging that an act or practice of such an agency is inconsistent with or contrary to any human right, the Commission shall refer the complaint to the competent authority concerned.

(2) The procedure thereafter shall be the same as in sub-section (1) of section 14 with respect to the armed forces.

Section 16. Independence of the Commission

(1) The Commission and every member of its staff shall function without political or other bias or interference and shall, unless this Act expressly otherwise provides, be independent and separate from any government, administrations, or any other functionary or body directly or indirectly representing the interests of any such entity.

1Subs. by Act No. VII of 2026, s.6

(2) If at any stage during the course of proceedings at any meeting of the Commission, it appears that a member has or may have a financial or personal interest which may cause a substantial conflict of interests in the performance of his functions as such, the member shall forthwith and fully disclose the nature of his interest and absent himself from that meeting so as to enable the remaining members to decide whether the member should be precluded from participating in the meeting by reason of that interest. Such a disclosure and the decision taken by the remaining members shall be entered on the record of the proceedings.

(3) If a member fails to disclose any conflict of interest as required under sub-section (2) and is present at a meeting of the Commission or in any manner participates in the proceedings, such proceedings in relation to the relevant matter shall, as soon as such non-disclosure is discovered, be reviewed and be varied or set aside by the Commission without the participation of the member concerned and such conduct on the part of the member shall be treated as misconduct.

Section 17. Investigation

(1)Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the Commission may, for the purpose of conducting an investigation into a matter which is the subject of a complaint, requisition the services of any officer or investigation agency of the Federal Government or a Provincial Government with their concurrence.

(2) For the purposes of investigating into any matter which is the subject of a complaint, any officer or agency whose services are requisitioned under sub-section (1) shall, under the direction and control of the Commission,—

(a) summon and enforce the attendance of any person and examine him;

(b) require the discovery and production of any document; and

(c) requisition any public record or copy thereof from any office.

(3) The provisions of section 13 shall apply in relation to any statement made by a person before any officer or agency whose services are requisitioned under sub-section (1), as they apply in relation to any statement made by a person in the course of giving evidence before the Commission.

(4) The officer or agency, whose services are requisitioned under sub-section (1), shall submit a report to the Commission within such period as may be specified.

(5) The Commission shall consider the report submitted to it under sub-section (4) and, after satisfying itself that the procedure prescribed by or under this Act has been duly observed in the investigation, may proceed in accordance with the provisions of section 16.

Section 18. Steps after inquiry

The Commission may take any of the following, amongst other, steps upon the completion of an inquiry held under this Act, namely:—

(a) where the inquiry discloses the commission of violation of human rights or negligence in the prevention of violation of human rights by a public servant, it may recommend

to the concerned Government or authority the initiation of proceedings for prosecution or such other action as the Commission may deem fit against the concerned person or persons;

(b) recommend to the concerned Government or authority for the grant of such immediate interim relief to the victim or the members of his family as the Commission may consider necessary;

(c) provide a copy of the inquiry report to the complainant or his representative;

(d) the Commission shall send a copy of its inquiry report together with its recommendations to the Government or authority which shall, within a period of one month or such further time as the Commission may allow, submit its reply indicating the action taken or proposed to be taken to implement the recommendations or reasons why these cannot or should not be implemented; and

(e) the Commission shall publish its inquiry report together with its recommendations and the reply of the Government or authority thereto.

Section 19. Statement made by persons to the Commission

⸺ No statement made by a person while giving evidence before the Commission shall subject him to or be used against him in any civil or criminal proceeding except prosecution for giving false evidence:

Provided that where—

(a) it is necessary to inquire into the conduct of any person; or

(b) the reputation of any person is likely to be prejudicially affected by the inquiry, it shall give an opportunity to such person of being heard and to produce evidence in his defence, if

any.

Section 20. Commission to preserve identity

Where the Commission considers that the preservation of the identity of a person who, has—

(i) made a complaint; or

(ii) furnished or proposes to furnish information; or

(iii) produced or proposes to produce a document; or

(iv) given or proposes to give evidence; or

(v) made or proposes to make a submission, to the Commission or to a person acting for or on behalf of the Commission, is necessary to protect the security of employment, the privacy or any human right of the person, the Commission may give directions prohibiting the disclosure of the identity of the person.

CHAPTER V

HUMAN RIGHTS COURTS

Section 21. Human Rights Court

For the purposes of speedy trial of offences arising out of violation of human rights, the 1[Law and Justice Division] may, in consultation with Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court, by notification in the official Gazette, specify a Court of Sessions to be the Human Rights Court for that District to try such offences:

Provided that nothing in this section shall apply, if—

(a) a Court of Sessions is already specified as a special court; or

(b) a special court is already constituted, for such offences under any other law for the time being in force.

Section 22. Special prosecutors

The 1[Law and Justice Division], on the advice of the Commission, shall, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint an advocate from the list prepared by the Commission, who has been practicing as an advocate for not less than seven years, to be the special prosecutor for the purposes of conducting cases in that Court. CHAPTER-VI FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

Section 23. Fund of the Commission

(1) There shall be established a fund to be known as the National Commission for Human Rights Fund which shall vest in the Commission and shall be used by the Commission to meet the charges in connection with its functions under this Act.

(2) Source of the Fund shall amongst other monies be the following, namely:—

(a) such sums as the Federal Government shall, after due appropriation made by the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) by law in this behalf, pay to the Commission by any of grants such sums of money for being utilized for the purposes of this Act;

(b) grants and endowments and income therefrom; and

(c) all other sums or properties which may in any manner become payable to, or vest in, the Commission in respect of any matter.

(3) The Commission, while performing its functions and exercising its powers under this Act, shall exercise highest sense of prudence as far as expenditures are concerned.

1Subs. by Act No. VII of 2026, ss.7-8.

Section 24. Expenditure to be charged on the Fund

The Fund shall be expended for the purposes of —

(a) paying any expenditure lawfully incurred by the Commission, relating to remuneration of its members, employees, advisors and consultants of the Commission including legal fees and costs as well as other fees and costs;

(b) paying any other expenses, costs or expenditure properly incurred or accepted by the Commission in the performance of its functions or in the exercise of its powers under this Act;

(c) purchasing or hiring equipment, machinery and any other work and undertakings in the performance of its functions or in the exercise of its powers-under this Act;

(d) repaying any financial accommodation received; and

(e) generally, paying any expenses for carrying into effect the provisions of this Act.

Section 25. Power to obtain finances and receive grants

The Commission may, from time to time, obtain and receive unconditional grants or contributions from donors and non-governmental organizations in a transparent manner. No contribution from any foreign source, private or governmental, shall be acceptable except after the approval of the Federal Government.

Section 26. Accounts and audit

(1) The Commission shall maintain proper accounts and other relevant records and prepare an annual statement of accounts in such form as may be prescribed by the Federal Government in consultation with the Auditor-General of Pakistan.

(2) The accounts of the Commission shall be audited by the Auditor-General at such intervals as may be specified by him.

(3) The Auditor-General and any person appointed by him in connection with the audit of the accounts of the Commission under this Act shall have the same rights and privileges and the authority in connection with such audit as the Auditor-General generally has in connection with the audit of Government’s accounts and in particular shall have the right to demand the production of books, accounts, connected vouchers and other documents and paper and to inspect any of the offices of the Commission.

(4) The accounts of the Commission, as certified by the Auditor-General or any other person appointed by him in this behalf, together with the audit report thereon shall be forwarded annually to the Federal Government by the Commission and the Federal Government shall cause the audit report to be laid, as soon as may be after it is received, before each House of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament).

Section 27. Financial freedom of the Commission

The Government shall allocate specific amount of money for the Commission in each financial year and it shall not be necessary for the

Commission to take prior approval from the Government to spend such allocated money for the approved and specific purposes. CHAPTER-VII MISCELLANEOUS

Section 28. Annual and special reports of the Commission

(1) The Commission shall prepare an annual report at the end of the financial year and may at any time prepare special reports on any matter which in its opinion is of particular urgency or importance.

(2) The 1[Division concerned] shall cause the annual report and the special reports to be laid before the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) within ninety and thirty days, respectively, from the date of their receipt, alongwith a memorandum indicating the action taken or proposed to be taken on the recommendations of the Commission and reasons for non-implementation of the recommendations, if any.

(3) The report shall be placed on the website of the Commission immediately after its lying before the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) for information of general public.

Section 29. Appointment of officers and employees

(1) There shall be a Secretary of the Commission as appointed under section 3.

(2) The Commission may, under this Act, appoint such officers and employees or consultants as it considers necessary for the efficient performance of its functions.

(3) Salary, remuneration and other terms and conditions of the services of the officers and employees of the Commission shall be determined by the Commission in consultation with the 1[Divisions concerned].

(4) The 1[Division concerned] may, on request from the Commission, appoint any officer or employees of the Federation to the Commission on deputation 1[as per deputation policy of Establishment Division].

Section 30. Indemnity

No suit, prosecution or legal proceedings shall lie against the Commission, the Chairperson or any member, officer, servant, advisors or consultant of the Commission in respect of anything in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or the rules made thereunder or order made or published by or under the authority of the Federal Government, a Provincial Government, Commission or any report, paper or proceedings.

Section 31. Members and officers to be public servants

Every member of the Commission and every officer appointed or authorized by the Commission to exercise functions under this Act shall he deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860).

1Subs. and ins. by Act No. VII of 2026, ss. 9-10

Section 32. Validity of proceedings

No act or proceedings of the Commission shall be invalid by reason only of the existence of a vacancy in, or defect in the constitution of, the Commission.

Section 33. Power to make rules

(l) The Commission may in consultation with the Federal Government and by notification in the official Gazette make rules to carry out the purposes of this

Act.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—

(a) the salaries and allowances and other terms and conditions of service of the members as provided under section 8;

(b) the conditions subject to which other administrative, technical and scientific staff may be appointed by the Commission and the salaries and allowances of officers and other staff appointed under section 29;

(c) the form in which the annual statement of accounts is to be prepared by the Commission under section 26; and

(d) any other matter which has to be, or may be, prescribed.

Section 34. Power to remove difficulties

If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Federal Government may, by order published in the official Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as appears to it to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty:

Provided that this power shall be available for a period of one year from the date of commencement of this Act.

_____________

RGN Date: 29-01-2026

Print contents from the source
CONTENTS 
CHAPTER-I 
PRELIMINARY 
1. Short title, extent and commencement 
2. Definitions 
CHAPTER-II 
ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS 
 
3. Establishment of Commission 
4. Appointment of Chairperson and members 
5. Term of office of Chairperson and of members 
6. Removal of the Chairperson and members 
7. Acting Chairperson 
8. Terms and conditions of service of members including Chairperson 
CHAPTER-III 
MANAGEMENT AND PROCEDURES OF THE COMMISSION 
 
9. Functions of the Commission 
10. Procedure of the Commission 
11. Advisory Committee 
CHAPTER-IV 
INQUIRIES AND INVESTIGATIONS 
 
12. Inquiry into complaints 
13. Powers relating to inquires 
14. Procedure with respect to armed forces 
 

Page 2 of 16 
 
15. Procedure with respect to intelligence agencies 
16. Independence of the Commission 
17. Investigation 
18. Steps after inquiry 
19. Statement made by persons to the Commission 
20. Commission to preserve identity 
CHAPTER V 
HUMAN RIGHTS COURTS 
 
21. Human Rights Court 
22. Special prosecutors 
CHAPTER-VI 
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 
 
23. Fund of the Commission 
24. Expenditure to be charged on the Fund 
25. Power to obtain finances and receive grants 
26. Accounts and audit 
27. Financial freedom of the Commission 
CHAPTER-VII 
MISCELLANEOUS 
 
28. Annual and special reports of the Commission 
29. Appointment of officers and employees 
30. Indemnity 
31. Members and officers to be public servants 
32. Validity of proceedings 
33. Power to make rules 
34. Power to remove difficulties
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Page 1 of 16 
 
 
 
 
THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ACT, 2012 
 
 
  
CONTENTS 
CHAPTER-I 
PRELIMINARY 
1. Short title, extent and commencement 
2. Definitions 
CHAPTER-II 
ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS 
 
3. Establishment of Commission 
4. Appointment of Chairperson and members 
5. Term of office of Chairperson and of members 
6. Removal of the Chairperson and members 
7. Acting Chairperson 
8. Terms and conditions of service of members including Chairperson 
CHAPTER-III 
MANAGEMENT AND PROCEDURES OF THE COMMISSION 
 
9. Functions of the Commission 
10. Procedure of the Commission 
11. Advisory Committee 
CHAPTER-IV 
INQUIRIES AND INVESTIGATIONS 
 
12. Inquiry into complaints 
13. Powers relating to inquires 
14. Procedure with respect to armed forces 
 

Page 2 of 16 
 
15. Procedure with respect to intelligence agencies 
16. Independence of the Commission 
17. Investigation 
18. Steps after inquiry 
19. Statement made by persons to the Commission 
20. Commission to preserve identity 
CHAPTER V 
HUMAN RIGHTS COURTS 
 
21. Human Rights Court 
22. Special prosecutors 
CHAPTER-VI 
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 
 
23. Fund of the Commission 
24. Expenditure to be charged on the Fund 
25. Power to obtain finances and receive grants 
26. Accounts and audit 
27. Financial freedom of the Commission 
CHAPTER-VII 
MISCELLANEOUS 
 
28. Annual and special reports of the Commission 
29. Appointment of officers and employees 
30. Indemnity 
31. Members and officers to be public servants 
32. Validity of proceedings 
33. Power to make rules 
34. Power to remove difficulties 
Page 3 of 16 
 
THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ACT, 2012 
ACT No. XVI OF 2012 
[30th May, 2012] 
An Act to provide for the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission 
WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the creation of a National Commission for Human 
Rights, for the purposes of promotion and protection of human rights as provided for in the 
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the vari ous international instruments to which 
Pakistan is a state party or shall become a state party;  
It is hereby enacted as follows:— 
 
CHAPTER-I 
PRELIMINARY 
 
1. Short title, extent and commencement. —(1) This Act may be called the National 
Commission for Human rights Act, 2012.  
(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan except Chapter V which shall extend to the I slamabad 
Capital Territory. 
(3) It shall come into force at once. 
2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,—  
(a)  “armed forces” means army, navy, air force and all other civil armed forces 
including military intelligence agencies;  
(b)  “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the Commission, as appointed under 
section 4;  
(c)  “Commission” means National C ommission for Human Rights constituted 
under section 3;  
1[(ca)  "Division concerned" means the Division to which business of this Act stands 
allocated;] 
(d) “human rights ” means the rights relating to life, liberty and dignity of the 
individual guaranteed and included in the international instruments including 
political and women rights;  
 
  1Ins. by Act No. VII of 2026, s.2 
 
Page 4 of 16 
 
 
(e)  “member” means a member of the Commission and includes the Chairperson;  
(f) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; and  
(g) “public servant ” means a public servant defined under section 21 of the 
Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860).  
 
CHAPTER-II 
ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS 
 
3. Establishment of Commission. —(1) The Federal Government shall c onstitute a 
Commission to be known as the National Commission for Human Rights to exercise the powers and 
perform the functions under this Act. 
 (2) The Commission shall consist of —  
(a)  a Chairperson, who has been, or is qualified to be, a judge of the Supreme 
Court or a person having demonstrable knowledge of, or practical experience 
in, matters relating to human rights;  
(b)  one member from each Province  1[****] and Islamabad Capital Territory 
having demonstrable knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating 
to human rights;  
(c) Chairperson of the National Commission on Status of Women;  
(d)  one member from minority communities; and  
(e)  a Secretary, who shall be appointed by the Commission:  
Provided that of the total membership of the  Commission, at-least two 
shall be women members.  
(3) A member shall not be less than forty years of age and shall have knowledge and 
experience relating to human rights.  
(4) The headquarters of the Commission shall be at Islamabad and it may establish i ts offices 
at other place or places in Pakistan as it may consider appropriate.  
 
 
1Omitted by Act No. VII of 2026, s.3 
 
 
Page 5 of 16 
 
(5) The Commission shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common 
seal with powers, among other, to acquire, hold and dispose of any property and shall sue and be 
sued by the said name.  
(6) All members of the Commission shall work on full time basis on prescribed terms and 
conditions and the Chairman on ceasing to hold office shall be inelligible for holding any offi ce of 
profit in the Government, Federal or Provincial, for a period of two years:  
Provided that it shall not apply to the Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status 
of Women.  
4. Appointment of Chairperson and members. —(1) The 1[Division concern ed] shall, 
through public notice, invite suggestions for suitable persons for appointment as Chairperson and 
members of the Commission and, after proper scrutiny, shall submit a list of these persons to the 
Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. 
(2) The Prime Minister shall in consultation with the Leader of the Opposition in the National 
Assembly forward three names for each post to a Parliamentary Committee for hearing and 
confirmation of any one person for each post:  
Provided that in case there is no consensus between the Prime Minister a nd the Leader of the 
Opposition, each shall forward separate lists to the Parliamentary Committee.  
(3) The Parliamentary Committee shall be constituted by the Speaker of the National 
Assembly consisting of the following four members, namely:—  
(a) two members from the Senate; and  
(b)  two members from the National Assembly:  
Provided that when the National Assembly is dissolved, the total membership of the 
Parliamentary Committee shall  consist of the members from the Senate only as mentioned in 
paragraph (a) and the provisions of this section shall, mutatis-mutandis, apply:  
Provided further that out of the four members of the Committee, two shall be from the 
Treasury Benches, one from each House and two from the Opposition Benches, one from each 
House. The nomination of members from the Treasury Benches shall be made by the Leader of the  
House and from the Opposition Benches by the Leader of the Opposition.  
(4) The Parliamentary Committee shall regulate its own procedure.  
(5) The Parliamentary Committee shall forward the names of the nominees confirmed by it to 
the President, who shall appoint the Chairperson and members accordingly. 
 
1Subs. by Act No. VII of 2026, s.4 
 
Page 6 of 16 
 
5. Term of offi ce of Chairperson and of members. —(1) A person appointed as 
Chairperson or a member shall hold office for a term of four years from the date on which he enters 
upon his office 1[, however, upon the expiry of the term, the Chairperson shall continue to hold office 
till the appointment of a new Chairperson]:  
Provided that the term of office may be extended once in the manner provided in section 4.  
(2) The Chairperson or a member may resign from his office in writing under his hand 
addressed to the President  and on acceptance of the resignation, such vacancy shall be filled within 
sixty days. 
6. Removal of the Chairperson and members .—The Chairman and members may be 
removed from office on the grounds and in the manner provided for in Article 209 of the 
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.  
7. Acting Chairperson .—At any time when the Chairperson is absent or unable to perform 
the duties of his office for any reason, or in the event of the vacancy in the office of the Chairperson 
by reason of his de ath, resignation or otherwise, the members of the Commission shall elect an 
Acting Chairperson from amongst themselves until the incumbent Chairperson resumes his office, or 
as the case may be, until the appointment of a new Chairperson to fill such vacanc y which shall not 
exceed sixty days.  
8. Terms and conditions of service of members including Chairperson .—The salaries and 
allowances payable to, and terms  and conditions of service of the members, other than ex-officio 
member, shall be such as may be pre scribed by the Federal Government in consultation with the 
Commission:  
Provided that neither the salary and allowances nor the terms and conditions of service of a 
member shall be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.  
CHAPTER-III 
MANAGEMENT AND PROCEDURES OF THE COMMISSION 
 
9. Functions of the Commission .—The Commission shall perform all or any of the 
following functions, namely:— 
(a)  suo-moto or on a petition presented to it by a victim or any person on his behalf, 
inquire into complaints of— 
(i)  violation of human rights or abetment thereof; or  
(ii)  negligence in the prevention of such violation, by a public servant;  
 
1Ins. by Act No. VII of  2026, s.5 
 
Page 7 of 16 
 
(b)  intervene in any proceeding involving any allegation of violation of h uman rights 
pending before a court by making application for becoming a party to the proceedings 
before such court;  
(c)  notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the 
Commission or any person authorized by it may visit any jai l, place of detention or 
any other institution or place under the control of the Government or its agencies, 
where convicts, under trial prisoners, detainees or other persons are lodged or 
detained for purposes of  ascertaining the legality of their detenti on as well as to find 
out whether the provisions of the applicable laws or other provisions relating to the 
inmates living conditions and their other rights are being complied with;  
(d) review the safeguards provided by or under the Constitution of the Is lamic Republic 
of Pakistan or any other law for the time being in force for the protection of human 
rights and recommend adoption of new legislation, the amendment of existing laws 
and the adoption or amendment of administrative measures for their effectiv e 
implementation:  
Provided that if requested by the Government, the Commission may examine 
any legislation and submit its views thereon and comment on the implication of the 
same for legislation;  
(e) review the factors, including acts of terrorism, that inhibit the enjoyment of human 
rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures;  
(f)  study treaties, other international instruments on human rights and reports submitted 
by the Government of Pakistan on them including the comments thereon, to make 
recommendations for their effective implementation;  
(g) undertake and promote research in the field of human rights, maintain database on the 
complaints on violence of human rights received and development of human rights 
norms;  
(h)  spread human rights lit eracy among various sections of society and promote 
awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through 
publications, print and electronic media, seminars and other available means in all 
major languages of the country;  
(i)  direct investigation and inquiry in respect of any incident of violation of human 
rights;  
(j)  submit independent reports to the Government on the state of human rights in 
Pakistan for incorporation in reports to United Nations’ bodies or committees;  
(k)  develop a national plan of action for the promotion and protection of human rights; 
and  
Page 8 of 16 
 
(l)  such other functions as it may consider necessary for the promotion of human rights. 
10. Procedure of the Commission.—(1) The Commission shall regulate its own procedure.  
(2) All orders and decisions of the Commission shall be authenticated by the Secretary or any 
other officer of the Commission duly authorized by the Chairperson in this behalf.  
(3) The quorum for a meeting of the Commission shall not be less th an one-half of the total 
membership of the Commission.  
(4) The decision of the Commission shall be taken by the majority of its members present 
and, in case of a tie, the member presiding the meeting shall have a casting vote.  
11. Advisory  Committee.—The Commission may constitute an advisory committee 
consisting of human rights activists, civil society organizations, members of bar associations, 
members of press clubs and such other representatives of the Federal and Provincial Governments as 
may be concerned with the functions of the Commission:  
Provided that the members of the advisory committee shall perform their functions in an 
honorary capacity to assist the Commission in their areas of competence and expertise.  
 
 
CHAPTER-IV 
INQUIRIES AND INVESTIGATIONS 
 
12. Inquiry into complaints .—(1) The Commission while inquiring into the complaints of 
violations of human rights may call for information or report from the Federal Government or a 
Provincial Government or any other authority or organization, subor dinate thereto, within such time 
as may be specified by it:  
Provided that if the information or report is not received within the time stipulated by the 
Commission, it may proceed to inquire into the complaint on its own:  
Provided further that in case th e complaint relates to areas that are security sensitive, the 
Commission shall obtain a report within fifteen days from the Federal Government and if the report 
is not received within thirty days the Commission may proceed to inquire into complaint on its own:  
Provided also that if on receipt of information or report, the Commission is satisfied either 
that no further inquiry is required or that the required action has been initiated or taken by the 
concerned Government or authority, it may not proceed wit h the complaint and inform the 
complainant accordingly.  
(2) Without prejudice to anything contained in sub -section (1), if the Commission considers 
necessary, having regard to nature of the complaint, it may initiate an inquiry.  
(3) if at any stage of the inquiry, the Commission— 
Page 9 of 16 
 
(a)  considers it necessary to inquire into the conduct of any person; or  
(b)  is of the opinion that the reputation of any person is likely to be prejudicially 
affected by the inquiry,  
it shall give to that person a reasonable  opportunity of being heard in the inquiry and to produce 
evidence in his defence:  
Provided that nothing in this section shall apply where the credit of a witness is being 
impeached.  
13. Powers relating to inquires. —(1) The Commission shall, while inquir ing into 
complaints under this Act, have all the powers of a civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil 
Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), in respect of the following matters, namely:—  
(a)  summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath;  
(b) discovery and production of documents;  
(c)  receiving evidence on affidavits;  
(d)  requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;  
(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents; and  
(f) any other matter which may be prescribed.  
(2) The Commission shall have power to require any person, subject to any privilege which 
may be claimed by that person under any law for the time being in force, to furnish information on 
such points or  matters as, in the opinion of the Commission, may be useful for, or relevant to, the 
subject-matter of the inquiry and  any person so required shall be deemed to be legally bound to 
furnish such information within the meaning of section 176 and section 177  of the Pakistan Penal 
Code (Act XLV of 1860).  
(3) The Commission shall be deemed to be a civil court to the extent that is described in 
sections 175, 178, 179, 180 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860). If the 
offence is committed in  the view or presence of the Commission, the Commission may, after 
recording the facts constituting the offence and the statement of the accused as provided for in the 
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), forward the case to a Magistrate havin g 
jurisdiction to try the same  and the Magistrate to whom any such case is forwarded shall proceed to 
hear the complaint against the accused as if the case has been forwarded to him under section 346 of 
the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).  
(4) Every proceeding before the Commission shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding 
within the meaning of sections 193, 196 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 
1860).  
Page 10 of 16 
 
(5) The Commission shall be deemed to be a civil court for the pur poses of section 195 and 
Chapter XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).  
14. Procedure with respect to armed forces .—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in 
any other law for the time being in force while dealing with the complaint s of human rights 
violations by the members of the armed forces, the Commission shall adopt the following procedure, 
namely:— 
(a) it may either on its own motion or on receipt of a petition, seek a report from the 
1[Defence Division] on complaint or violation;  
(b)  after the receipt of the report it may either not proceed with the complaint or, as the 
case may be, make its recommendations to the 1[Defence Division].  
(2) The Federal Government shall inform the Commission of the action taken on the 
aforesaid recommendations within three months or such extended time as the Commission may deem 
appropriate.  
(3) The Commission shall publish its report together with its recommendations made under 
paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) and the action taken by the Federal Government.  
(4) The Commission shall provide a copy of the report published under sub -section (3) to the 
petitioner or his representative. 
15. Procedure with respect to intelligence agencies .—(1) Notwithstanding anything 
contained in this Act, the func tions of the Commission do not include inquiring into the act or 
practice of intelligence agencies and where a complaint is made to the Commission alleging that an 
act or practice of such an agency is inconsistent with or contrary to any human right, the Commission 
shall refer the complaint to the competent authority concerned.  
(2) The procedure thereafter shall be the same as in sub -section (1) of section 14 with respect 
to the armed forces.  
16. Independence of the Commission. —(1) The Commission and ever y member of its staff 
shall function without political or other bias or interference and shall, unless this Act expressly 
otherwise provides, be independent and separate from any government, administrations, or any other 
functionary or body directly or indirectly representing the interests of any such entity.  
 
 
 
1Subs. by Act No.  VII of 2026, s.6 
 
 
 
Page 11 of 16 
 
 
(2) If at any stage during the course of proceedings at any meeting of the Commission, it 
appears that a member has or may have a financial or personal interest which may cause a substantial 
conflict of interests in the performance of his functions as such, the member shall forthwith and fully 
disclose the nature of his interest and absent himself from that meeting so as to enable the remaining 
members to deci de whether the member should be precluded from participating in the meeting by 
reason of that interest. Such a disclosure and the decision taken by the remaining members shall be 
entered on the record of the proceedings.  
(3) If a member fails to disclose any conflict of interest as required under sub -section (2) and 
is present at a meeting of the Commission or in any manner participates in the proceedings, such 
proceedings in relation to the relevant matter shall, as soon as such non -disclosure is discovered, be 
reviewed and be varied or set aside by the Commission without the participation of the member 
concerned and such conduct on the part of the member shall be treated as misconduct.  
17. Investigation .—(1)Notwithstanding anything contained in any other  law for the time 
being in force, the Commission may, for the purpose of conducting an investigation into a matter 
which is the subject of a complaint, requisition the services of any officer or investigation agency of 
the Federal Government or a Provincial Government with their concurrence.  
(2) For the purposes of investigating into any matter which is the subject of a complaint, any 
officer or agency whose services are requisitioned under sub -section (1) shall, under the direction 
and control of the Commission,—  
(a)  summon and enforce the attendance of any person and examine him;  
(b)  require the discovery and production of any document; and 
(c)  requisition any public record or copy thereof from any office.  
(3) The provisions of section 13 shall appl y in relation to any statement made by a person 
before any officer or agency whose services are requisitioned under sub -section (1), as they apply in 
relation to any statement made by a person in the course of giving evidence before the Commission.  
(4) Th e officer or agency, whose services are requisitioned under sub -section (1), shall 
submit a report to the Commission within such period as may be specified.  
(5) The Commission shall consider the report submitted to it under sub -section (4) and, after 
satisfying itself that the procedure prescribed by or under this Act has been duly observed in the 
investigation, may proceed in accordance with the provisions of section 16.  
18. Steps after inquiry. —The Commission may take any of the following, amongst other , 
steps upon the completion of an inquiry held under this Act, namely:—  
(a) where the inquiry discloses the commission of violation of human rights or negligence 
in the prevention of violation of human rights by a public servant, it may recommend 
Page 12 of 16 
 
to the c oncerned Government or authority the initiation of proceedings for 
prosecution or such other action as the Commission may deem fit against the 
concerned person or persons;  
(b)  recommend to the concerned Government or authority for the grant of such immediate 
interim relief to the victim or the members of his family as the Commission may 
consider necessary;  
(c)  provide a copy of the inquiry report to the complainant or his representative;  
(d)  the Commission shall send a copy of its inquiry report toget her with its 
recommendations to the Government or authority which shall, within a period of one 
month or such further time as the Commission may allow, submit its reply indicating 
the action taken or proposed to be taken to implement the recommendations or  
reasons why these cannot or should not be implemented; and  
(e)  the Commission shall publish its inquiry report together with its recommendations 
and the reply of the Government or authority thereto. 
19. Statement made by persons to the Commission. ⸺ No s tatement made by a person 
while giving evidence before the Commission shall subject him to or be used against him in any civil 
or criminal proceeding except prosecution for giving false evidence:  
Provided that where— 
(a) it is necessary to inquire into the conduct of any person; or  
(b) the reputation of any person is likely to be prejudicially affected by the inquiry,  
it shall give an opportunity to such person of being heard and to produce evidence in his defence, if 
any.  
20. Commission to preserve ide ntity.—Where the Commission considers that the 
preservation of the identity of a person who, has— 
(i)  made a complaint; or  
(ii)  furnished or proposes to furnish information; or  
(iii)  produced or proposes to produce a document; or  
(iv)  given or proposes to give evidence; or  
(v)  made or proposes to make a submission,  
to the Commission or to a person acting for or on behalf of the Commission, is necessary to protect 
the security of employment, the privacy or any human right of the person, the Commiss ion may give 
directions prohibiting the disclosure of the identity of the person.  
Page 13 of 16 
 
 
CHAPTER V 
HUMAN RIGHTS COURTS 
 
21. Human Rights Court. —For the purposes of speedy trial of offences arising out of 
violation of human rights, the 1[Law and Justice Division] may, in consultation with Chief Justice of 
Islamabad High Court, by notification in the official Gazette, specify a Court of Sessions to be the 
Human Rights Court for that District to try such offences:  
Provided that nothing in this section shall apply, if— 
(a)  a Court of Sessions is already specified as a special court; or  
(b)  a special court is already constituted,  
for such offences under any other law for the time being in force.  
22. Special prosecutors. —The 1[Law and Justice Division] , on the ad vice of the 
Commission, shall, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint an advocate from the list prepared 
by the Commission, who has been practicing as an advocate for not less than seven years, to be the 
special prosecutor for the purposes of conducting cases in that Court.  
CHAPTER-VI 
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 
 
23. Fund of the Commission. —(1) There shall be established a fund to be known as the 
National Commission for Human Rights Fund which shall vest in the Commission and shall be used 
by the Commission to meet the charges in connection with its functions under this Act.  
(2) Source of the Fund shall amongst other monies be the following, namely:—  
 (a)  such sums as the Federal Government shall, after due appropriation made by the 
Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) by law in this behalf, pay to the Commission by any of 
grants such sums of money for being utilized for the purposes of this Act;  
(b)  grants and endowments and income therefrom; and  
(c)  all other sums or properties which may in any manner be come payable to, or vest in, 
the Commission in respect of any matter.  
(3) The Commission, while performing its functions and exercising its powers under this Act, 
shall exercise highest sense of prudence as far as expenditures are concerned.  
 
1Subs. by Act No. VII of 2026, ss.7-8. 
 
 
Page 14 of 16 
 
 
24. Expenditure to be charged on the Fund.—The Fund shall be expended for the purposes 
of —  
(a)  paying any expenditure lawfully incurred by the Commission, relating to 
remuneration of its members, employees, advisors and consultants of the Commission 
including legal fees and costs as well as other fees and costs;  
(b) paying any other expenses, costs or expenditure properly incurred or accepted by the 
Commission in the performance of its functions or in the exercise of its p owers under 
this Act;  
(c)  purchasing or hiring equipmen t, machinery and any other work and undertakings in 
the performance of its functions or in the exercise of its powers-under this Act;  
(d)  repaying any financial accommodation received; and  
(e)  generally, paying any expenses for carrying into effect the provisions of this Act.  
25. Power to obtain finances and receive grants. —The Commission may, from time to 
time, obtain and receive unconditional grants or contributions from donors and non -governmental 
organizations in a transparent manner. No contribution from any foreign source, private or 
governmental, shall be acceptable except after the approval of the Federal Government.  
26. Accounts and audit. —(1) The Commission shall maintain proper account s and other 
relevant records and prepare an annual statement of accounts in such form as may be prescribed by 
the Federal Government in consultation with the Auditor-General of Pakistan.  
(2) The accounts of the Commission shall be audited by the Auditor -General at such intervals 
as may be specified by him.  
(3) The Auditor-General and any person appointed by him in connection with the audit of the 
accounts of the Commission under this Act shall have the same rights and privileges and the 
authority in connection with such audit as the Auditor -General generally has in connecti on with the 
audit of Government’ s accounts and in particular shall have the right to demand the production of 
books, accounts, connected vouchers and other documents and paper and to inspect any of the offices 
of the Commission.  
(4) The accounts of the Commission, as certified by the Auditor -General or any other person 
appointed by him in this behalf, together with the audit report thereon shall be forwarded annually to 
the Federal Government by the Commission and the Federal Government shall cause the audit report 
to be laid, as soon as may be after it is received, before each House of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament). 
27. Financial freedom of the Commission .—The Government shall allocate sp ecific 
amount of money for the Commission in each financial year and it shall not be necessary for the 
Page 15 of 16 
 
Commission to take prior approval from the Government to spend such allocated money for the 
approved and specific purposes.  
CHAPTER-VII 
MISCELLANEOUS 
 
28. Annual and special reports of the Commission. —(1) The Commission shall prepare an 
annual report at the end of the financial year and may at any time prepare special reports on any 
matter which in its opinion is of particular urgency or importance.  
(2) The 1[Division concerned] shall cause the annual report and the special reports to be laid 
before the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) within ninety and thirty days, respectively, from the date of 
their receipt, alongwith a memorandum indicating the action tak en or proposed to be taken on the 
recommendations of the Commission and reasons for non -implementation of the recommendations, 
if any.  
(3) The report shall be placed on the website of the Commission immediately after its lying 
before the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) for information of general public.  
29. Appointment of officers and employees. —(1) There shall be a Secretary of the 
Commission as appointed under section 3.  
(2) The Commission may, under this Act, appoint such officers and employees or consul tants 
as it considers necessary for the efficient performance of its functions.  
(3) Salary, remuneration and other terms and conditions of the services of the officers and 
employees of the Commission shall be determined by the Commission in consultation w ith the 
1[Divisions concerned].  
(4) The 1[Division concerned] may, on request from the Commission, appoint any officer or 
employees of the Federation to the Commission on deputation  1[as per deputation policy of 
Establishment Division].  
30. Indemnity.— No suit, prosecution or legal proceedings shall lie against the Commission, 
the Chairperson or any member, officer, servant, advisors or consultant of the Commission in respect 
of anything in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or the rule s made thereunder or 
order made or published by or under the authority of the Federal Government, a Provincial 
Government, Commission or any report, paper or proceedings. 
31. Members and officers to be public servants. — Every member of the Commission and 
every officer appointed or authorized by the Commission to exercise functions under this Act shall 
he deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 
(Act XLV of 1860).  
 
1Subs. and ins. by Act No. VII of 2026, ss. 9-10 
 
Page 16 of 16 
 
32. Validity of proceedings. —No act or proceedings of the Commission shall be invalid by 
reason only of the existence of a vacancy in, or defect in the constitution of, the Commission.  
33. Power to make rules. —(l) The Commission may in consult ation with the Federal 
Government and by notification in the official Gazette make rules to carry out the purposes of this 
Act.  
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules 
may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—  
(a)  the salaries and allowances and other terms and conditions of service of the members 
as provided under section 8;  
(b) the conditions subject to which other administrative, technical and scientific staff may 
be appointed by the Commission and the salaries and allowances of officers and other 
staff appointed under section 29;  
(c)  the form in which the annual statement of accounts is to be prepared by the 
Commission under section 26; and  
(d)  any other matter which has to be, or may be, prescribed.  
34. Power to remove difficulties. —If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions 
of this Act, the Federal Government may, by order published in the official Gazette, make such 
provisions not inconsistent with the pr ovisions of this Act as appears to it to be necessary or 
expedient for removing the difficulty:  
Provided that this power shall be available for  a period of one year from the date of 
commencement of this Act. 
 
_____________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RGN Date: 29-01-2026
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Section 4

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ir force and all other civil armed forces including military intelligence agencies; (b) “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the Commission, as appointed under section 4; (c) “Commission” means National C ommission for Human Rights constituted under section 3; 1[(ca) "Division concerned" means the Division to which business of this Act stands allocated;] (d) “human rights ” means th

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Section 3

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hairperson” means the Chairperson of the Commission, as appointed under section 4; (c) “Commission” means National C ommission for Human Rights constituted under section 3; 1[(ca) "Division concerned" means the Division to which business of this Act stands allocated;] (d) “human rights ” means the rights relating to life, liberty and dignity of the individual guaranteed and included in th

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Section 4

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hairperson shall continue to hold office till the appointment of a new Chairperson]: Provided that the term of office may be extended once in the manner provided in section 4. (2) The Chairperson or a member may resign from his office in writing under his hand addressed to the President and on acceptance of the resignation, such vacancy shall be filled within sixty days. 6. Removal of the Ch

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Section 176

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, or relevant to, the subject-matter of the inquiry and any person so required shall be deemed to be legally bound to furnish such information within the meaning of section 176 and section 177 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860). (3) The Commission shall be deemed to be a civil court to the extent that is described in sections 175, 178, 179, 180 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860

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Section 195

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193, 196 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860). Page 10 of 16 (5) The Commission shall be deemed to be a civil court for the pur poses of section 195 and Chapter XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898). 14. Procedure with respect to armed forces .—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force while dealing with

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Section 14

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human right, the Commission shall refer the complaint to the competent authority concerned. (2) The procedure thereafter shall be the same as in sub -section (1) of section 14 with respect to the armed forces. 16. Independence of the Commission. —(1) The Commission and ever y member of its staff shall function without political or other bias or interference and shall, unless this Act expressly

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Section 13

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ine him; (b) require the discovery and production of any document; and (c) requisition any public record or copy thereof from any office. (3) The provisions of section 13 shall appl y in relation to any statement made by a person before any officer or agency whose services are requisitioned under sub -section (1), as they apply in relation to any statement made by a person in the course of giv

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Section 16

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er satisfying itself that the procedure prescribed by or under this Act has been duly observed in the investigation, may proceed in accordance with the provisions of section 16. 18. Steps after inquiry. —The Commission may take any of the following, amongst other , steps upon the completion of an inquiry held under this Act, namely:— (a) where the inquiry discloses the commission of violation of

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Section 3

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oora (Parliament) for information of general public. 29. Appointment of officers and employees. —(1) There shall be a Secretary of the Commission as appointed under section 3. (2) The Commission may, under this Act, appoint such officers and employees or consul tants as it considers necessary for the efficient performance of its functions. (3) Salary, remuneration and other terms and condition

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Section 8

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rovide for all or any of the following matters, namely:— (a) the salaries and allowances and other terms and conditions of service of the members as provided under section 8; (b) the conditions subject to which other administrative, technical and scientific staff may be appointed by the Commission and the salaries and allowances of officers and other staff appointed under section 29; (c) t

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Section 29

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h other administrative, technical and scientific staff may be appointed by the Commission and the salaries and allowances of officers and other staff appointed under section 29; (c) the form in which the annual statement of accounts is to be prepared by the Commission under section 26; and (d) any other matter which has to be, or may be, prescribed. 34. Power to remove difficulties. —If any

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Section 26

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lowances of officers and other staff appointed under section 29; (c) the form in which the annual statement of accounts is to be prepared by the Commission under section 26; and (d) any other matter which has to be, or may be, prescribed. 34. Power to remove difficulties. —If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Federal Government may, by order published

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Provisions explicitly cited in other instruments 3

Article 209 of Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Cited by National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012

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within sixty days. 6. Removal of the Chairperson and members .—The Chairman and members may be removed from office on the grounds and in the manner provided for in Article 209 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. 7. Acting Chairperson .—At any time when the Chairperson is absent or unable to perform the duties of his office for any reason, or in the event of the vacancy in the office of the Chairperson by reason of his de ath, res

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Target heading · Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

2[209. Supreme Judicial Council.—(1) There shall be a Supreme Judicial Council of Pakistan, in this Chapter referred to as the Council. 1[(2) The Council shall consist of— (a) the Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court; (b) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; (c) one next most senior Judg

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Section 346 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898 (Under Review)

Cited by National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012

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the same and the Magistrate to whom any such case is forwarded shall proceed to hear the complaint against the accused as if the case has been forwarded to him under section 346 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898). (4) Every proceeding before the Commission shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding within the meaning of sections 193, 196 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860). Page 10 of 16

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Target heading · Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898 (Under Review)

7[346. Procedure of Magistrate in cases which he cannot dispose of. __ (1) If, in the course of an inquiry or trial before a Magistrate in any district, the evidence appears to him to warrant a presumption that the case is one which should be tried, or sent for trial to the Court of Session or the High Cour

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Section 21 of Pakistan Penal Code, 1860

Cited by National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012

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mission and every officer appointed or authorized by the Commission to exercise functions under this Act shall he deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860). 1Subs. and ins. by Act No. VII of 2026, ss. 9-10 Page 16 of 16 32. Validity of proceedings. —No act or proceedings of the Commission shall be invalid by reason only of the existence of a vac

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Stored text SHA-256
b38ed2b6e1087abaf0cae3ca6275f50416f8cb55281c907bda1ad39a8185bf7a
Original source SHA-256
057a003b779bd95257af4938b6070df6fa38157e09c6be1437ac848b234f6823
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National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012
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Federal — this does not establish territorial applicability.
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not independently verified
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Complete stored UTF-8 TXT file recovered byte-for-byte from owned Drive. Source transcription retained verbatim; legal completeness, OCR accuracy and current consolidation unverified.
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Stable record
pk-code-d129a9af86ddfebf
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Stored text SHA-256
b38ed2b6e1087abaf0cae3ca6275f50416f8cb55281c907bda1ad39a8185bf7a

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