PESHAWAR: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating human rights and security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the merged tribal districts, following a three-day fact-finding mission. Led by HRCP Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt, the delegation addressed a news conference at Peshawar Press Club (PPC) noted the weakening writ of the state, growing lawlessness, and the government’s failure to protect citizens’ right to life and liberty. The mission met with Chief Minister KP, civil society, journalists, lawyers, political leaders, government officials, and displaced families between 24 and 26 September. The HRCP highlighted links between rising violence, displacement, and natural resource extraction under the proposed KP Mines and Minerals Act 2025. Militants reportedly operate freely in parts of the merged areas, extorting residents, restricting movement, and committing targeted killings, while law enforcement has largely withdrawn. The recent killings in Tirah, where over 20 civilians were allegedly killed in an aerial attack, drew strong criticism. The HRCP called for a credible inquiry and rejected inadequate compensation as a substitute for state accountability. The mission also raised concerns over the continued use of the KP Actions (in Aid of Civil Power) Ordinance 2019, internment centres, enforced disappearances, and harassment of journalists and rights defenders. It warned that revival of parallel justice systems threatens the rule of law. Staff Reporter
