Peshawar:
Pakistan Human Rights Commission (HRCP), chapter of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, has published its 2024 annual report, highlighting the conditions of human rights and security problems in the region. The report was unveiled by HRCP vice-president Akbar Khan, during a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club.
According to the report, terrorism continues to make a heavy price on civilians, the staff of the police and the security forces – a disaster reflection of the deterioration of the security landscape in the province.
At least 150 new cases of forced disappearances have been recorded in the past year, which caused repeated judicial interventions. Despite this, legislative progress has remained slow, with only 30 bills tabled in the Provincial Assembly – of which 21 were adopted. Judicial pressure has also intensified, with more than 23,000 cases pending before the High Court of Peshawar (PHC) and more than 38,000 cases overall, many of which are linked to court involving political and police figures.
The HRCP report has also drawn attention to the growing trend of violence motivated by “self -proclaimed justice” and noted a disturbing increase in crimes against children, including the murder of several minors.
With regard to labor rights, the report has documented serious violations, including the death of 26 minors due to dangerous working conditions and extremist attacks. In addition, more than 30 workers have been removed by activists.
Environmental concerns have also been highlighted in the report. More than 100 people would have lost their lives due to rains and torrential floods, while Peshawar remained among the most polluted cities around the world.
Speaking during the press conference, Professor Dr Sarfaraz, HRCP coordinator, said that the aggravation of the law and order in tribal districts led to a assembly of humanitarian crises and to a severe economic stagnation. He criticized federal and provincial governments for neglecting the region, leaving vulnerable citizens to many socio-economic problems.
