The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) released its annual report for 2024 on Monday, revealing a troubling state of law and order, human rights, and democratic governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The report, presented by HRCP Vice Chairperson Akbar Khan at a press conference in Peshawar Press Club, highlights a surge in militant violence, gender-based crimes, and administrative neglect across the province.
According to the report, there was a significant increase in gender-based violence in 2024, with women and children frequently targeted in incidents of domestic abuse, honour killings, and sexual violence. The number of child abuse cases also rose, indicating serious shortcomings in child protection systems.
Militancy and armed conflict continued to claim lives across KP. In Kurram district alone, over 250 people died due to sectarian violence and tribal clashes, while blocked roads and supply routes contributed to an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Attacks by militant groups also resulted in the deaths of civilians, law enforcement personnel, and armed forces members.
Prominent political figures, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Akhunzada Chattan, and Maulana Sherani, were targeted in terrorist attacks, highlighting the deteriorating security situation. Notably, one such attack resulted in the death of Maulana Sherani.
The report also addressed the dangerous conditions faced by mine workers, with at least 26 workers losing their lives due to unsafe working conditions and militant attacks. Over 30 workers were abducted in separate incidents throughout the year. Despite repeated government promises to improve wages and safety standards, labour rights violations persisted across the province.
Furthermore, the judicial backlog and pressure on the courts remain concerning, with the Peshawar High Court having over 23,000 pending cases and a total exceeding 38,000 in the province. Many of these cases involve contempt proceedings against high-profile political and police figures.
Legislation has progressed slowly, with only 30 bills introduced and 21 passed. Local governments and elected councillors have been sidelined, as the HRCP noted a continued denial of development funds in defiance of court orders.
The report also documented ongoing violence against 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 significant issues addressed in the report. Over 100 people died as a result of flooding and extreme rainfall, while Peshawar remains one of the most polluted cities in the world, raising concerns about urban sustainability and climate resilience.
In a strong condemnation of governance failures, the HRCP stated that commitments made during the merger of former FATA with KP remain largely unfulfilled. Industrial zones in merged districts risk collapse due to unannounced taxation, lack of funding, and neglect of a promised development package.
HRCP also expressed concern over at least 150 new cases of enforced disappearances in KP, prompting repeated judicial intervention. The report notes that civil liberties have come under further strain, with increased 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 both the provincial and federal governments to restore citizen confidence through transparent reforms.
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