LAHORE: The HRCP judicial inquiry Punjab CCD encounters demand has intensified after the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) called for the formation of an independent judicial commission to investigate deaths linked to operations by Punjab’s Crime Control Department (CCD).
In a fact-finding report issued from Lahore, HRCP alleged that staged police encounters had become a matter of policy within the CCD. The commission warned that such practices amount to extrajudicial killings and undermine constitutional safeguards and the rule of law.
924 Suspects Killed in Eight Months
According to the HRCP report, at least 670 CCD encounters were recorded during the first eight months of 2025, based on press reports. The commission stated that 924 suspects were killed in these operations, while two police officials also lost their lives.
HRCP said its investigative mission found signs of possible violations of domestic laws and Pakistan’s international human rights commitments. It expressed concern over the lack of transparency and accountability in encounter-related deaths.
Custodial Death Law Compliance Questioned
The commission highlighted the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act, 2022, which requires every custodial death to be investigated by the Federal Investigation Agency under the supervision of the National Commission for Human Rights.
However, HRCP stated that it found no clear evidence that this mandatory procedure had been followed in the cases it reviewed. In at least one petition, a court directed the FIA to conduct an investigation into an alleged custodial death.
The commission urged federal and provincial authorities to ensure strict implementation of the law and to establish an independent judicial commission to examine the pattern of CCD encounters.
Punjab Police Defends CCD Operations
Meanwhile, Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem said additional resources would be provided to the CCD to support its operational objectives.
During a meeting, CCD Additional IG Sohail Zafar Chattha briefed the IGP on the department’s mandate, performance, and challenges.
Chattha stated that the CCD, in coordination with district police, is working to curb serious crimes across Punjab. He said the department relies on a criminal database, modern surveillance systems, tracking tools, and advanced IT infrastructure to strengthen operations.
Call for Accountability and Rule of Law
The HRCP emphasized that crime control is a legitimate state function. However, it must operate within constitutional limits.
The commission warned that any deviation from due process violates human rights and weakens public trust in law enforcement institutions.
The HRCP judicial inquiry Punjab CCD encounters demand underscores the need for transparent investigations, accountability for wrongdoing, and stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure policing in Punjab aligns with national legislation and international human rights standards.
FAQs
1. Why is HRCP demanding a judicial inquiry?
HRCP alleges that staged encounters by the CCD may have led to extrajudicial killings and legal violations.
2. How many suspects were reportedly killed?
The report states that 924 suspects were killed in 670 encounters during the first eight months of 2025.
3. What law governs custodial death investigations?
The Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act, 2022 requires FIA investigations under NCHR supervision.
4. What is Punjab Police’s stance?
Punjab Police officials say the CCD is working to control serious crimes using modern tools and resources.
