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PESHAWAR, Jun 30 (APP):The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Monday released its annual report for 2024, painting a grim picture of law and order, human rights, and democratic governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The report, unveiled by HRCP Vice Chairperson Akbar Khan at a press conference here at Peshawar Press Club highlights surging militant violence, gender-based crimes, and administrative neglect across the province.
According to the report, 2024 saw a sharp rise in gender-based violence, with women and children frequently targeted in incidents of domestic abuse, honor killings, and sexual violence. The number of child abuse cases also increased, exposing serious gaps in child protection systems.
Militancy and armed conflict continued to claim lives across KP. More than 250 people were killed in sectarian violence and tribal clashes in Kurram district alone, while roads and supply routes remained blocked, triggering an extended humanitarian crisis. Attacks by militant groups also claimed the lives of civilians, law enforcement personnel, and members of the armed forces.
Prominent political leaders, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Akhunzada Chattan, and Maulana Sherani, were targeted in terrorist attacks—underscoring the deteriorating security environment. HRCP noted that one such attack led to the death of Maulana Sherani.
The report also shed light on the plight of mine workers, stating that at least 26 workers died due to unsafe working conditions and militant attacks.
Over 30 workers were abducted in separate incidents during the year. Labor rights violations continued across the province, despite repeated government promises to improve wages and safety standards.
Judicial backlog and pressure on the courts remain alarming. The Peshawar High Court alone has over 23,000 pending cases, while the total across the province exceeds 38,000. Many involve contempt proceedings with high-profile political and police figures as respondents.
The pace of legislation remained slow, with only 30 bills introduced and 21 passed. Local governments and elected councilors were sidelined, as HRCP noted persistent denial of development funds in defiance of court orders.
The report also documented the continued targeting of the transgender community, with multiple cases of murder and violent assaults attributed to societal intolerance and institutional apathy.
Environmental degradation and public health crises were also central to the report. Over 100 people died due to flooding and extreme rainfall, while Peshawar remained one of the most polluted cities in the world, raising concerns about urban sustainability and the lack of climate resilience.
In a powerful indictment of governance failures, HRCP said that promises made during the merger of former FATA with KP remained largely unfulfilled. Industrial zones in merged districts face collapse due to unannounced taxation, lack of funding, and neglect of a promised development package.
HRCP also raised alarm over at least 150 new cases of enforced disappearances in KP, prompting repeated judicial intervention. Civil liberties have come under further strain, the report notes, with restrictions on civic voices.
Dr. Sarfaraz Khan, HRCP’s provincial coordinator, described the situation as a “multi-layered crisis” involving political instability, militant violence, institutional paralysis, and widespread socio-economic distress.
He urged the provincial and federal governments to restore citizen confidence through transparent reforms.