Overview
- The bill sets out safeguards for people under arrest or custodial investigation, including written reasons for arrest, access to a lawyer and family, medical examination, and provision of food and medicines.
- It codifies duties for arresting, detaining and investigating officers and creates penalties for violations to address reported abuses in custody.
- Senators approved the measure clause by clause without dissent after debate led by mover Farooq H. Naek, who framed it as protecting human dignity under Article 14.
- Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar noted government reservations but did not oppose passage, indicating amendments could be sought when the bill is taken up by the lower house.
- The Senate also cleared the Limited Liability Partnership (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Fatal Accidents (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which enables interim relief for victims’ families and targets six‑month case resolutions, while several new private bills were sent to committees.