Punjab Police Extrajudicial Killings 2026: 900+ Deaths in 8 Months
The human rights landscape in Pakistan has been rocked by a new report detailing a massive surge in Punjab police extrajudicial killings 2026. On February 17, 2026, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) released a startling fact-finding report. It concludes that a specialized police unit has killed over 900 people in just eight months. This report has triggered a national debate over the rule of law and the high price of aggressive crime-fighting policies.
The Rise of the Crime Control Department
Central to these allegations is the Crime Control Department (CCD). However, the HRCP describes it as a force operating with virtual impunity. Between April 2025 and December 2025, the HRCP documented at least 670 “encounters.” These incidents resulted in 924 deaths.
Interestingly, the report noted a massive imbalance in casualties. While hundreds of suspects were killed, very few police officers sustained injuries. This discrepancy has led rights activists to believe that many of these encounters are staged. The HRCP further claimed that many official reports used “copy-paste” language to justify the use of lethal force.
Heartbreaking Accounts of Police Encounters
The report highlights the tragic case of Zubaida Bibi from Bahawalpur. In November 2025, CCD officers reportedly raided her home and took five family members into custody. Within 24 hours, all five men were dead.
The family insists the men had no criminal records and were simple laborers. Such stories have fueled public outrage. Many families now report receiving threats from the police if they attempt to pursue legal action. Consequently, a climate of fear is growing among low-income communities in southern Punjab.
Government and Police Response
Despite the gravity of the Punjab police extrajudicial killings 2026 report, the provincial government has defended the CCD’s operations. Officials emphasize that maintaining law and order remains the top priority. The CCD claims its aggressive tactics have successfully reduced property crimes and dismantled notorious land-grabbing gangs.
However, the HRCP argues that even if crime rates are falling, “lethal shortcuts” bypass the judicial system. They violate the constitutional right to a fair trial. The commission is now calling for a high-level judicial inquiry to hold officials accountable. As the province home to over half of Pakistan’s population, the eyes of the nation are on Punjab’s justice system.
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