CCPR/C/PAK/CO/1

Pakistan (CCPR 23-08-2017)

The Committee considered the initial report of Pakistan (CCPR/C/PAK/1) at its 3386th, 3387th and 3388th meetings (see CCPR/C/SR.3386, 3387 and 3388), held on 11 and 12 July 2017. At its 3406th and 3407th meetings, held on 25 and 26 July 2017, it adopted the present concluding observations.

Concluding observations

C. Principal matters of concern and recommendations

Non-discrimination

11. The Committee is concerned that the non-discrimination provisions adopted by the State party, including articles 25 to 27 of the Constitution, do not afford protection against discrimination on all the grounds prohibited under the Covenant. It is also concerned that same-sex relations between consenting adults are criminalized. While welcoming the information about progress made in the State party on the situation of intersex persons, the Committee regrets the absence of information from the delegation on effective measures to prevent and punish all forms of discriminations against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (arts. 2, 3 and 26).
12. The State party should take all necessary measures, including the adoption of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, to ensure that its legal framework:                                 

(a) Provides full and effective protection against discrimination in all spheres, including the private sphere, and prohibits direct, indirect and multiple discrimination;                                        

(b) Includes a comprehensive list of grounds for discrimination, including colour, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity or other status;                                    

(c) Provides for effective remedies in cases of violation. It should also decriminalize same-sex relations between consenting adults.