SHRC chairperson faces corruption charges
KARACHI:
The Chief Minister's Inspection, Enquiries, and Inspection Team Department (CMIE&ITD) has launched an investigation against Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairperson Iqbal Ahmed Detho over allegations of corruption, nepotism, and misuse of office for personal gain.
A special committee, which has been formed to probe these accusations, summoned Detho on February 7 to defend himself. The inquiry has been initiated on the directives of the provincial chief secretary, and the CMIE&ITD is expected to submit its findings within seven days.
According to the complaint filed by National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) Member Sindh Anis Haroon and several human rights activists, Detho allegedly used his position to secure financial benefits for himself while extending undue favours to others. The complaint was submitted to senior officials, including the chief minister, chief secretary, and provincial secretary of the Human Rights Department.
The complainants argue that the SHRC has been exploited for personal gain since Detho's appointment in March 2023. They have called for his removal from office, citing Section 6(D) of the Sindh Protection of Human Rights Act, which envisages the dismissal of the chairperson if they obtain direct or indirect benefits through the commission's operations.
Detho has strongly refuted the allegations, stating that he intends to file a formal complaint against Anis Haroon with the NCHR. He accuses Haroon of exceeding her mandate and violating ethical and legal principles governing human rights institutions.
"Her actions compromise the integrity and independence of the Sindh Human Rights Commission and contradict the Paris Principles and international human rights standards," Detho stated in his reaction, shared with The Express Tribune.
Detho said that the SHRC is an independent provincial human rights institution established under the Sindh Protection of Human Rights Act (SPHRA), 2011, amended in 2022, in accordance with the Paris Principles. The SHRC remains the only provincial human rights body in Pakistan following the 18th constitutional amendment, playing a pivotal role in protecting and promoting human rights at the regional level.
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KARACHI: The Chief Minister's Inspection, Enquiries, and Inspection Team Department (CMIE&ITD) has launched an investigation against Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairperson Iqbal Ahmed Detho over allegations of corruption, nepotism, and misuse of office for personal gain. A special committee, which has been formed to probe these accusations, summoned Detho on February 7 to defend himself. The inquiry has been initiated on the directives of the provincial chief secretary, and the CMIE&ITD is expected to submit its findings within seven days. According to the complaint filed by National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) Member Sindh Anis Haroon and several human rights activists, Detho allegedly used his position to secure financial benefits for himself while extending undue favours to others. The complaint was submitted to senior officials, including the chief minister, chief secretary, and provincial secretary of the Human Rights Department. The complainants argue that the SHRC has been exploited for personal gain since Detho's appointment in March 2023. They have called for his removal from office, citing Section 6(D) of the Sindh Protection of Human Rights Act, which envisages the dismissal of the chairperson if they obtain direct or indirect benefits through the commission's operations. Detho has strongly refuted the allegations, stating that he intends to file a formal complaint against Anis Haroon with the NCHR. He accuses Haroon of exceeding her mandate and violating ethical and legal principles governing human rights institutions. "Her actions compromise the integrity and independence of the Sindh Human Rights Commission and contradict the Paris Principles and international human rights standards," Detho stated in his reaction, shared with The Express Tribune. Detho said that the SHRC is an independent provincial human rights institution established under the Sindh Protection of Human Rights Act (SPHRA), 2011, amended in 2022, in accordance with the Paris Principles. The SHRC remains the only provincial human rights body in Pakistan following the 18th constitutional amendment, playing a pivotal role in protecting and promoting human rights at the regional level.
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