The government has enacted the 'Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Ordinance-2025', introducing some of the harshest penalties to date - including death and life imprisonment - for crimes related to enforced disappearances.
President Mohammed Sahabuddin issued the ordinance, which was officially gazetted by the Ministry of Law's Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division on Monday, following the final approval from the Advisory Council given on November 6 this year.
Under the new law, specialised 'Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Tribunals' will be established at both district and divisional levels. The ordinance categorically states that offences under this act are non-bailable, and no form of compromise or settlement will be allowed.
The legislation defines enforced disappearance as any arrest, detention, abduction, or deprivation of liberty carried out by a government official or law enforcement personnel, followed by denial of the act or concealment of the victim's whereabouts, condition, or fate - resulting in the victim being deprived of legal protection. Such acts carry penalties of life imprisonment or up to 10 years' imprisonment.
