A fact-finding report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has alleged a “systemic policy of extrajudicial killing” by Punjab’s Crime Control Department (CCD), citing hundreds of deaths in so-called police encounters within months of the unit’s formation.
The report, released on February 17, documents at least 670 encounters resulting in 924 suspected deaths between April and December 2025. The CCD was constituted in April last year to combat serious and organised crime across Punjab.
Family’s account sparks scrutiny
The findings centre on cases like that of Zubaida Bibi from Bahawalpur, who alleged that armed CCD officers raided her home and later killed five male relatives in separate encounters across districts within 24 hours.
Her account, recorded by HRCP investigators, claims the family was threatened after seeking legal recourse. Police have not publicly responded to the specific allegations.
Pattern in encounter reports
The HRCP report highlights striking similarities in first information reports (FIRs) across districts. Many describe suspects travelling on motorcycles at night, opening fire first and being killed in retaliatory action. The commission noted repetitive wording, suggesting “copy-paste structuring rather than incident-specific reporting”.
The report also questions procedural safeguards, alleging that families were urged to bury the deceased quickly, limiting independent postmortem examinations.
Government defends crackdown
Punjab authorities maintain that the CCD follows an intelligence-driven policing model and claim property crimes have fallen by over 60 percent in recent months. The provincial government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif says the initiative aligns with its “Safe Punjab” vision.
However, rights advocates argue that crime control must adhere to constitutional safeguards and due process. Legal experts warn that bypassing judicial mechanisms in the name of efficiency risks eroding public trust and the rule of law.
The debate continues as observers call for transparency, independent oversight and reforms to ensure both security and fundamental rights are upheld.