LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly condemned the suicide attack in Swat and called for a transparent and impartial investigation, urging authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
In a statement, the rights watchdog said at least 17 people were killed, including seven police personnel, in the attack. It expressed deep concern over the loss of life and the deteriorating security situation in the region.
The HRCP noted that the attack came as local residents were protesting against worsening law and order conditions, raising serious questions about security arrangements in the area.
The commission also expressed concern over attacks on a police station and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) offices in Kharan district of Balochistan, warning that the security situation in both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan continues to deteriorate.
The HRCP stressed that protecting the lives and property of civilians and law enforcement personnel is a fundamental responsibility of the state.
It further called for all counterterrorism measures to be carried out in accordance with the rule of law and respect for human rights.
The commission urged the government to ensure that those responsible for the Swat and Kharan attacks are brought to justice and to take effective steps to protect civilians in the affected areas.
