Peshawar:
The Pakistan Human Rights Commission (HRCP), the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chapter, has published its annual report 2024, highlighting the worsening of human rights conditions and security concerns in the region. The report was presented by the Vice President of HRCP, Akbar Khan, during a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club.
According to the report, terrorism continues to affect civilians a lot, the personnel application of the law and security forces, a shady reflection of the deterioration of the security scene in the province.
At least 150 new cases of forced disappearances were recorded during the past year, which caused repeated judicial interventions. Despite this, the legislative progress remained slow, with only 30 bills presented at the Provincial Assembly, 21 of which were approved. The judicial pressure also intensified, with more than 23,000 pending cases in the Superior Court of Peshawar (PHC) and more than 38,000 cases in general, including many related to the contempt of the court that involves political and police figures.
The HRCP report also caught attention to the growing tendency of violence promoted by “self -denominated justice” and pointed out a disturbing increase in crimes against children, including the murder of several minors.
With respect to labor rights, the report documented serious violations, including the death of 26 miners due to dangerous working conditions and extremist attacks. In addition, more than 30 workers were kidnapped by militants.
Environmental concerns were also underlined in the report. According to reports, more than 100 people lost their lives due to rains and torrential floods, while Peshawar remained among the most contaminated cities worldwide.
Speaking at the press conference, Professor Dr. Sarfaraz, HRCP coordinator, said that the law and order in the tribal districts have led to growing humanitarian crises and severe economic stagnation. He criticized federal and provincial governments for neglecting the region, leaving citizens vulnerable to numerous socioeconomic problems.
