The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced serious concern over what it describes as a pattern of staged police encounters conducted by the Crime Control Department (CCD) in Punjab. The commission warned that such practices could undermine constitutional protections and weaken the rule of law.
In a recent fact finding report HRCP stated that at least 670 CCD led encounters were reported over eight months in 2025. These incidents reportedly resulted in the deaths of 924 suspects, while only two police officers were killed during the same period. The commission noted that the sharp disparity in casualties along with similarities in operational patterns across districts raises questions about the legitimacy of these encounters.
HRCP has called for an urgent high level judicial inquiry into the deaths, stressing that law enforcement agencies must adhere to international standards governing the use of force. It emphasized that lethal force should be applied only when strictly necessary and proportionate.
Among its recommendations the commission proposed a temporary halt to encounter operations independent oversight mechanisms and investigations by the Federal Investigation Agency under the supervision of the National Commission for Human Rights.
Meanwhile, a CCD spokesperson rejected the allegations asserting that the department operates lawfully and targets criminals involved in illegal activities.
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