ISLAMABAD – The School of International Law (SIL) successfully concluded a comprehensive two-day training workshop focused on the “Law Against Custodial Torture and Ill-Treatment,” marking a significant step forward in reinforcing human rights protections and legal accountability across Pakistan.
Group Development Pakistan organized this specialized program in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Pakistan, bringing together a diverse assembly of legal practitioners and future jurists. Renowned lawyer in the town, Advocate Umar Sajjad – served as the lead trainer for the workshop. Throughout the two-day event, Advocate Sajjad walked the participants through the critical procedural safeguards enshrined within the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act, 2022.
The curriculum placed a strong emphasis on modern, evidence-based justice mechanisms, introducing attendees to the globally recognized PEACE model of trauma-informed interviewing. Besides, investigative methodologies, the training rigorously mapped out the distinct legal duties and statutory obligations assigned to key enforcement and oversight bodies, including the police, judicial magistrates, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR).
Recognizing the acute vulnerability of minors within the criminal administration of justice, the workshop also featured dedicated modules on the special protections owed to child victims and witnesses under the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018. The overarching objective of the initiative remains focused on equipping a new generation of lawyers with the precise skills needed to effectively spot, document, and legally act against instances of custodial abuse to ensure absolute institutional accountability.
Underscoring a shared commitment to driving academic excellence and fostering solidarity within the wider legal community, the School of International Law warmly welcomed visiting law students from several prominent institutions nationwide. Participants traveled from the University of Chakwal, the University of Faisalabad, Bahria University, the International Islamic University, and Lords College International.
This collaborative academic environment allowed seasoned experts to share high-level professional development skills and practical legal insights with the visiting student body. The workshop concluded with a formal certificate distribution ceremony, honoring the newly certified participants who are now prepared to uphold the highest ethical standards of the legal profession.
While extending congratulations to all the new participants in the training, Nida Tareen of the SIL stated, ” We concluded our 2 Day Training Workshop on Law Against Custodial Torture and Ill Treatment at School of International Law (SIL). The training was conducted by Group Development Pakistan in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Pakistan. Our Trainer, Advocate Umar Sajjad, walked the participants through the procedural safeguards under the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act, 2022, the PEACE model of trauma-informed interviewing, the respective duties of police, magistrates, FIA, and NCHR, and the special protections owed to child victims and witnesses under the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018.”
“We are training Lawyers who know how to spot torture, document it, and act on it to ensure accountability! School of International Law (SIL) also warmly welcomed law student participants from University of Chakwal, University of Faisalabad, Bahria University, International Islamic University and Lords College International. This collaboration allowed us to share high-level insights and professional development skills with visiting students, reinforcing SIL’s commitment to driving academic excellence within the wider legal community.”, Ms Tareen concluded.
