Use of force Section 11 of the Foreigners Act grants broad authority to the relevant authorities to employ force in enforcing orders or preventing breaches of the Act. Section 11(2), allows any police officer to use force that is reasonably necessary to ensure compliance with an order that is issued under this Act. Any discretion on use of force must be accompanied by clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power. Without proper checks and balances, there is an increased risk of arbitrary and excessive use of force constituting a violation of not only Pakistan’s international obligation under the Convention Against Torture (CAT)32 (and other human rights treaties) but also a violation of the fundamental right of dignity and prohibition of torture of all persons under Article 14 of the Constitution. It is also important to note that the obligations outlined in Article 4 of the CAT place a clear responsibility on Pakistan to not only prohibit torture and other cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment or punishment but also to actively prevent its occurrence. This includes condemning all such practices, providing training and resources to law enforcement and other officers to uphold human rights standards, ensuring effective oversight and complaints processes, and holding perpetrators accountable through legal mechanisms. Subsection 2 of Section 11 of the Foreigners Act also grants sweeping powers to individuals acting under its authority, providing them with unrestricted access to any land or property. The language employed, allowing "any police officer" with access to any land or property, lacks specificity and accountability. Such ambiguity paves the way for unauthorized intrusions into private spaces, posing a substantial threat to individuals' privacy and property rights. Article 14 of the Constitution of Pakistan recognizes the right to privacy, with a particular emphasis on the privacy of the home. While 32 Article 1(1) of the CAT defines torture as the deliberate infliction of severe physical or mental pain or suffering for various purposes, such as extracting information or confessions, punishment, intimidation, or discrimination, whether carried out by a public official or another individual acting in an official capacity. 18

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