Surge in police encounters triggers concern

Activists claim many deaths are orchestrated killings

LAHORE:

Punjab Police reported a record-breaking 1,008 encounters in 2024, marking the highest annual tally in recent history. This sharp rise in shootouts has sparked both praise for the force's crackdown on crime and criticism over alleged extrajudicial killings.

According to official data, 502 suspects were killed, 710 injured, and 635 arrested during these encounters. Tragically, 38 police officers lost their lives, and 137 were injured in the line of duty. The figures represent a significant jump from 2023, which recorded 842 encounters, and far outpace 2022's 401 incidents.

Lahore emerged as the hotspot for these confrontations, with encounters frequently reported. In late May 2024, the city experienced over ten encounters in a single week. Among these, Abdul Rafay, a suspected shooter involved in multiple heinous crimes, was killed by the Organized Crime Unit (OCU) in Batapur. Rafay had been implicated in the murder of a Millat Park resident and an attack on lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa's residence.

While police hail such operations as critical to combating crime, the surge in encounters has raised questions about their legitimacy and transparency.

Human rights groups and activists allege that many encounters are orchestrated killings, bypassing due process.

One high-profile incident occurred in Nawab Town, where a businessman was killed during a police raid by Pakpattan officers. A miscommunication led to an exchange of fire, escalating into a deadly encounter. Critics claim the raid was motivated by bribery from the businessman's rivals, underscoring concerns over abuse of power.

In another controversial case, Ahsan Shah, accused of murdering his former friend Ameer Balaj Tipu, was killed while in police custody. Authorities claimed he was shot during an escape attempt, but many suspect it was an extrajudicial killing.

A 17-hour standoff in Gujrat between rival drug gangs and police also drew attention. The operation, which ended with the death of an elite constable and a suspected drug dealer, Faisal Hunj, became a viral social media sensation. Critics questioned the handling of the prolonged confrontation, calling for a review of police protocols in such situations.

While law enforcement has defended encounters as a necessary tool to ensure public safety, the increasing number of questionable deaths has fueled scepticism.