Peshawar:
Pakistan Human Rights Commission (HRCP), Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chapter, has released his annual report 2024, highlighting the worsening of human rights conditions and security concerns in the region. The report was revealed by HRCP Vice-President Akbar Khan during a press conference at Peshawar Press Club.
According to the report, terrorism continues to take a heavy toll on civilian, law enforcement staff and security forces – a gloomy reflection of the worsened security landscape in the province.
At least 150 new cases of enforced disappearance were recorded in the past year, which received repeated legal interventions. Despite this, legislative progress remained sluggish, with only 30 bills filed in the provincial assembly – of which 21 were adopted. Court of Justice was also intensified with more than 23,000 cases pending in Peshawar High Court (PHC) and over 38,000 cases overall, including many related to contempt of court involving political and police figures.
The HRCP report also drawn attention to the trend of the growing violence driven by “self-inflicted justice” and noted a disturbing increase in crimes against children, including the murder of several minors.
With regard to worker, the report documented serious violations, including the death for 26 miners due to dangerous working conditions and extremist attacks. In addition, more than 30 workers were abducted by militants.
Environmental problems were also emphasized in the report. Over 100 people reportedly lost their lives due to heavy rain and flooding, while Peshawar remained among the most polluted cities globally.
When he spoke at the press conference, Professor Dr. Sarfaraz, HRCP coordinator, that worsening of law and order in the tribal districts has led to the installation of humanitarian crises and severe economic stagnation. He criticized both the federal and provincial governments for neglecting the region and leaving citizens vulnerable to several socio -economic problems.
