The Punjab Crime Control Department (CCD) refuted the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan's claim that it engages in staged encounters or extrajudicial actions. A spokesperson stated that the CCD is a specialized law enforcement unit established to combat organized crime, terrorism, and violent criminal networks that pose significant threats to public safety. The department operates in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan, the Police Order 2002, and all relevant criminal procedure laws, with the primary objective of making arrests. The use of force is guided by principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality, with lethal force used only as a last resort in situations involving armed resistance and imminent danger to life.
Recently, the HRCP reported documenting 670 police encounters resulting in 924 suspected deaths between April and December 2025, following the CCD's formation in April 2025. While the CCD was established to combat serious and organized crime, the HRCP has criticized it as a "parallel police force" operating with impunity, linking it to a rise in encounter killings that has raised concerns about the rule of law and the state's obligation to protect the right to life. The HRCP called for a high-level judicial inquiry into deaths resulting from CCD operations.
In response to the HRCP report, the CCD spokesperson highlighted the complex security environment in Punjab, where criminal groups frequently possess automatic weapons and engage police with lethal intent, necessitating officers to act in self-defense to protect themselves and civilians.
The CCD acknowledges that any misuse of authority by individual officers is unacceptable and has initiated a comprehensive internal accountability and anti-corruption campaign. Officers found involved in corruption, abuse of power, or professional misconduct are being dealt with under departmental and criminal law without discrimination.
The department maintains a zero-tolerance stance against torture, corruption, fabrication of evidence, intimidation of citizens, and unlawful use of force, emphasizing that no officer is above the law. CCD operations undergo regular scrutiny by senior officials, post-operation reporting, medico-legal and forensic processes, as well as judicial and magisterial oversight as required by law. The department is supportive of strengthening oversight mechanisms and welcomes constructive recommendations to enhance transparency and professionalism.
The CCD rejects broad allegations portraying it as engaged in systematic wrongdoing, noting the daily sacrifices of officers who risk their lives in the line of duty and the impact on public confidence in law enforcement.
CCD remains dedicated to protecting citizens while upholding the rule of law, emphasizing its commitment to rooting out wrongdoing, enhancing internal systems for integrity, accountability, and respect for human rights.
