Policy Briefs & Reports

Published Aug 2026

Caged in Care: Investigating Human Rights Violations in Rehabilitation Centres

"The NCHR report Caged in Care reveals serious human rights abuses in Pakistan's rehabilitation centres, including forced admissions, unlawful detention, excessive sedation, poor living conditions, and lack of medical oversight. Women and girls were found to be particularly vulnerable, often being confined due to family disputes or social control rather than genuine mental health needs. The investigation concludes that weak regulation and inadequate mental health laws allow many centres to operate without accountability. NCHR calls for stronger oversight, legal reforms, patient rights protections, and a rights-based approach to mental health care."

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Executive Summary

"The NCHR report Caged in Care reveals serious human rights abuses in Pakistan's rehabilitation centres, including forced admissions, unlawful detention, excessive sedation, poor living conditions, and lack of medical oversight. Women and girls were found to be particularly vulnerable, often being confined due to family disputes or social control rather than genuine mental health needs. The investigation concludes that weak regulation and inadequate mental health laws allow many centres to operate without accountability. NCHR calls for stronger oversight, legal reforms, patient rights protections, and a rights-based approach to mental health care."

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