KARACHI: Former Justice Maqbool Baqar, chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), chaired a meeting of the commission’s board to review institutional performance and approve key strategic measures aimed at strengthening the protection and promotion of human rights across Sindh.
The board laid emphasis on improving public access to the commission by strengthening complaint mechanisms through the SHRC online portal, email, and WhatsApp services.
Reviewing the function of the commission’s regional office in Sukkur to enhance outreach, particularly for marginalized and underserved communities, also came up for discussion during the meeting.
The chairperson stressed the importance of providing practical policy recommendations to the Government of Sindh on human rights issues and ensuring greater institutional focus on peripheral districts.
Members also deliberated on the preparation of a comprehensive strategic plan and the periodic review of constitutional and legal provisions related to human rights protection.
To strengthen public engagement, the board resolved to enhance the commission’s public awareness and communication initiatives. Tehseen Fatima would lead efforts to improve outreach, institutional visibility, and public engagement.
Judicial members were assigned to review the rules of business, 2013, of the Sindh Protection of Human Rights Act, 2011, and submit recommendations aimed at strengthening the commission’s governance, legal framework, and institutional efficiency.
The meeting further discussed enhancing coordination with the Bar associations, workers’ organizations, civil society, and NGOs, and improving data management, staff training, and institutional capacity.
Members also emphasized the need for regular field visits, greater attention to issues such as forced conversions, and expanding awareness efforts in Sukkur division where complaint numbers remain low.
Concluding the meeting, the chairperson reaffirmed SHRC’s commitment to protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens and directed the implementation of the board’s decisions to strengthen institutional responsiveness, improve public access to justice, and enhance human rights protection across Sindh.
Following the board meeting, former Justice MaqboolBaqar met with the commission’s staff to discuss institutional priorities, strengthen internal coordination, and emphasize teamwork, professionalism, and proactive implementation of the commission’s mandate.
The meeting was attended by Ahmed Luqman Memon, District & Session Judge (former)/Judicial Member-I SHRC; Iqbal Hussain Maitlo, District & Session Judge (former)/Judicial Member-II, SHRC; Anand Ram D. Sairani, District & Session Judge (former)/ Judicial Member-III, SHRC; Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani, Member Minority, SHRC; Tehseen Fatima, Member, SHRC; Mervyn Francis Lobo, Member SHRC;Rida Tahir, Member, Business & Human Rights, SHRC; and Ali Gul Sanjrani, Additional Secretary of the Human Rights Department.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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