PESHAWAR: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced serious concerns over the worsening human rights and security conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The HRCP recently concluded a three-day fact-finding mission to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during which they met government officials, civil society representatives and victims of violence.
“The situation in both provinces is extremely fragile and alarming,” said HRCP Chairman Asad Iqbal Butt and Co-Chairperson Munizae Jahangir at a press conference in Peshawar on Thursday.
Speaking on the outcomes of their meetings with provincial leadership, including the Chief Minister and other government officials, the HRCP observed a lack of effective strategy to combat terrorism.
“It is evident that the government has no clear solution to the growing threat of terrorism,” they stated.
The HRCP also highlighted international criticism of Pakistan’s internment centres, noting that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has previously equated them with Guantanamo Bay, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and legal reform.
Commenting on recent legislative developments, the HRCP welcomed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s resolution calling for the repeal of the Action in Aid of Civil Power Ordinance, and urged the government to ensure immediate and effective implementation of the resolution.
Expressing grave concern over the recent Tirah airstrike, the HRCP strongly condemned the loss of civilian lives, particularly women and children. “We are deeply troubled by the reports of casualties in Tirah and demand an impartial investigation into the incident,” they said.
The HRCP concluded by calling on the federal and provincial governments to uphold human rights, ensure transparency, and adopt a people-centered approach to security and governance in conflict-hit regions.
