Pakistan Human Rights Commission expresses serious concern over human rights violations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has expressed serious concern over human rights violations and the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Commission highlighted the Pakistani government’s inability to protect citizens’ right to life and liberty. A fact-finding mission led by the Commission held a series of meetings this month with civil society, press, legal community, human rights defenders, and families displaced by conflict, as well as political party leaders.
 
In a statement, the Commission pointed out that local communities and stakeholders have highlighted a worrying link between increasing violence, displacement, and security operations, and the extraction of natural resources under the proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Act 2025. It was also stated that militants appear to be operating unhindered, reportedly extorting and harassing residents and killing people. The Commission fact-finding mission also raised grave concern about the recent killings in Tirah valley, in which over 30 civilians, including women and children, were killed by the Pakistani Air Force. The Commission has demanded a credible inquiry into the matter.