Lahore, May 7:
Pakistan’s Punjab police have reportedly killed 10 suspects in separate “encounters” over two days, bringing the alleged death toll to more than 1,100 in the past year, according to rights groups. The Crime Control Department (CCD), formed under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, said the individuals were wanted criminals involved in serious offences including murder, robbery, extortion, and attacks on citizens.
The CCD stated that the suspects were killed during confrontations in which they allegedly opened fire on police. However, human rights organisations, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, have raised concerns, alleging a pattern of staged encounters and extrajudicial killings. The HRCP claims over 1,100 suspects have been killed in such incidents over the past year, describing it as an “institutionalised practice” and calling for a judicial inquiry.
Opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, led by imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan, has also condemned the killings, alleging political misuse of the force and demanding accountability.
The CCD denies these accusations, insisting its operations target armed criminals and involve necessary use of force.