LAHORE:
The Crime Control Department (CCD) has crossed the 100 homicide mark during its ongoing campaign against suspected drug peddlers and narcotics networks across Punjab, sparking fresh concerns among human rights organizations over the scale, methods and transparency of the operations.
The latest incident occurred on Monday evening in Lahore, when five suspects in custody were killed in an alleged exchange of fire.
According to reports, CCD staff were escorting the inmates for a recovery operation when “unidentified assailants”, believed to be accomplices of the suspects, ambushed the team.
The deceased were identified as Rafaqat, Shahid Akram, Zahid, Nadir Afzal and Kamran Iqbal, all previously detained in cases registered in Model Town, Township, Iqbal Town and Saddar divisions. Officials said the suspects were shot dead in crossfire, while CCD personnel remained unharmed. Their bodies were taken to the morgue for forensic examination.
Although no consolidated provincial statement has been issued by the CCD or Punjab Police, media reports indicate a rapid escalation in encounter-related deaths: in the last 48 hours, 18 suspects linked to ICE trafficking were reportedly killed in separate operations in Lahore, Sheikhupura and Kasur. Earlier this week, 23 more suspected drug peddlers were killed in raids in Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Okara and Sialkot.
In Lahore alone, at least 22 deaths have been reported in multiple nighttime clashes since the crackdown began. Additional deaths were reported from Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur and Sargodha districts.
The crackdown has also targeted law enforcement officials allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
At least 17 police officers have been arrested for facilitating drug trafficking or maintaining links with drug networks, with departmental investigations underway.
The growing number of deaths involving suspects already in custody has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups.
Legal observers note that in most cases, police have neither identified nor arrested the alleged attackers, and independent verification of events remains limited.
Provincial authorities defend the CCD’s actions, saying the campaign targets organized drug networks, particularly those selling synthetic drugs.
Officials say armed clashes have intensified due to resistance from criminal groups.
Despite repeated calls for transparency, the Punjab government is yet to release an official district-wise tally of deaths linked to CCD operations.
As the campaign continues, the tally of more than 100 deaths has reignited debates about policing methods, accountability and oversight across the province.
