HRCP Raises Concerns Over Police Encounters in Sindh, Pakistan
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed worries about ongoing police encounters in Sindh, Pakistan, targeting activists who speak out against state repression. According to HRCP, four such encounters have been reported in recent days, resulting in severe injuries to several suspects who were shot before being formally detained by security agencies.
HRCP highlighted that Sindh police recorded over 3,000 police encounters in 2023 alone. This practice, they claim, violates the right to due process and Pakistan’s legal obligations under the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act 2022 and the Convention Against Torture. HRCP demands that those responsible for these encounters be brought to justice and that strict measures be implemented to prevent unlawful and unwarranted police force against the Sindhi community.
In a previous incident, Sindh police allegedly tried to cover up a fake encounter with a civilian in Hyderabad, Sindh. The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) also condemned the alleged abduction, torture, and shooting of its activists by Pakistani state agencies, particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This incident reportedly occurred in Kotri, Sindh, on August 14, 2024, involving the abduction of three nephews of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) Central Cultural Secretary Abdul Fattah Channa by the ISI.
Additionally, a Dawn News report from May mentioned that two media personnel from a private TV channel were detained by police to prevent them from interviewing individuals wounded in police firing at Liaquat University Hospital. The reporter, Imtiaz Khoso, and cameraman, Niaz Mallah, had permission from the Assistant Medical Superintendent, Dr. Ashfaq, to record statements from the injured victims, who were under treatment in the hospital’s orthopedic ward in police custody.
Doubts Revealed
HRCP -: HRCP stands for Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. It is an organization that works to protect and promote human rights in Pakistan.
Police Encounters -: Police encounters are situations where the police have a confrontation with suspects, often resulting in injuries or deaths. These are sometimes controversial because they may involve excessive force.
Sindh -: Sindh is a province in Pakistan. It is located in the southeastern part of the country and its capital is Karachi.
Activists -: Activists are people who work to bring about social or political change. They often campaign for human rights, environmental issues, or other important causes.
Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) -: The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) is a group that advocates for the rights and independence of the Sindhi people in Pakistan.
State Agencies -: State agencies are government organizations that have specific duties, like law enforcement or intelligence. In this context, they are accused of abducting and torturing activists.
Media Personnel -: Media personnel are people who work in the media, like journalists and reporters. They gather and report news to the public.
