Daily Times July 14, 2021 In a landmark bill being hailed as a much-awaited win for human rights, the Senate finally put its foot down on custodial violence and death. By declaring every punishable offence as “non-compoundable and non-bailable,” the august house has slapped a rightly-deserved fine and mandatory sentence on any transgressing public servant. It is gratifying to finally see the state realise that the change we need cannot come from violence whatsoever. PPP Senator deserves a gold star for her exemplary initiative, but so does Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari. By extending support to a bill bu opposition benches, she has given a befitting reply to last month’s ruckus raised on progressive bills vanishing into a “black hole.” The fact that human rights supersede all demarcations along party lines cannot be stressed enough. And there could not be a more shining example of this unity than the sight of two champions of civil liberties putting their heads together for the welfare of ordinary Pakistanis. Yes, the fascinating notion of Naya Pakistan (and a spokesperson’s commitment to can police torture soon afterwards) had everyone waiting with bated breath. But well, it’s always better to join the right side if your side isn’t doing right.