Article . Human RIghts

Extra-Judicial Killings In the Context of Pakistan

On May 27, 2023 by Sadaf Jalil Malik

Extra-judicial killings or murders are defined as the wrongful and intentional killings of  people by government agents or anyone working on its behalf, without due process of law.

These  murders take place outside of the legal system and without the necessary monitoring or  authorization from the law. Extrajudicial executions or killings are seen as a human rights  violation and frequently include the misuse of authority, corruption, and a lack of accountability.

The following are some traits that extrajudicial killings frequently share: 

Lack of Due Process: 

Extrajudicial killings avoid following the rules of the law and deprive the victims of their right  to a fair trial. 

Lack of Legal Authority:

Those who commit extrajudicial murders frequently operate illegally or without the necessary  permission. 

Unjustified Use of Force: 

These deaths entail the use of excessive or pointless force that is out of proportion to the threat  the victim poses. 

Lack of Accountability: 

Those responsible for extrajudicial executions frequently escape prosecution or receive little  punishment for their crimes, which contributes to an atmosphere of impunity. 

Targeting Certain Groups: 

Extrajudicial executions may disproportionately target activists, journalists, or those who are  critical of the government. They may also target marginalized communities. 

It’s crucial to remember that extrajudicial executions are prohibited by international law  and strongly condemned by it. They violate the right of justice, human rights, and the right to  life. Extrajudicial killings have presented considerable difficulties for Pakistan in the past. Even  though the nation has made efforts to solve this problem, reports of extrajudicial murders persist. 

Following are the key points regarding extrajudicial killings in Pakistan: 

Encounter Killings:

One type of extrajudicial killing that is common in Pakistan is referred to as “encounter  killings.” In these events, police enforcement organizations assert that they engaged in armed  conflict with suspects and killed them.

There have been claims, meanwhile, that some  confrontations are manufactured and that suspects are wrongfully killed without following the  law. For example, Young Pashtun shopkeeper Naqeebullah Mehsud was killed in Karachi in  what was allegedly a police encounter in January 2018.

Nationwide demonstrations were held in  response to the tragedy, with demands for justice and a stop to extrajudicial murders.  Naqeebullah Mehsud was eventually found to be innocent and had been killed illegally,  according to an investigation. Later, many police officers were detained and accused of  involvement in the illegal death. 

Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhua: 

Areas with a greater frequency of extrajudicial murders include Baluchistan and Khyber  Pakhtunkhua. Concerns regarding violations of human rights have arisen as a result of the  targeting of activists, journalists, and people who belong to racial and religious minorities.

Extrajudicial murders, notably those of activists and political dissidents, have been documented  in the province of Baluchistan. People have been disappeared or killed in a number of incidents  under questionable circumstances. 

Counter-Terrorism Operations:

To combat extremist organizations within its borders, Pakistan has been carrying out  counterterrorism operations. There have been reports of extrajudicial murders occurring during these operations, despite the fact that they are crucial for maintaining security. Such measures,  according to critics, can erode confidence and increase tensions within communities. 

Lack of Accountability: 

Addressing extrajudicial murders in Pakistan has been difficult in part due to a lack of  accountability. Due to a number of issues, including inadequate investigations, corruption, and  the sway of influential people or organizations, perpetrators frequently escape punishment.

For  example, Senior police officer Rao Anwar participated in multiple confrontations that allegedly  led to extrajudicial deaths in Karachi. The murder of Naqeebullah Mehsud (described above) was  one notable instance.

As a result of his role in extrajudicial executions, Rao Anwar was detained  and put on trial. He was exonerated in the Naqeebullah Mehsud case in late 2020, but the  decision caused controversy and prompted questions about accountability. 

Human Rights Concerns: 

International human rights organizations have condemned extrajudicial murders in  Pakistan. The right to life and the right to a fair trial are two important human rights that are  allegedly violated by these executions. 

Extrajudicial executions are a problem that the Pakistani government has acknowledged  and promised to remedy. Reforming the law, creating oversight organizations, and bolstering  human rights organizations are some of the initiatives.

However, ongoing efforts are necessary to  guarantee that extrajudicial executions are adequately investigated, that those responsible are  held accountable, and that all citizens of the nation have their human rights respected.

Maintaining the rule of law, maintaining fair and independent investigations, and holding  offenders responsible are necessary to address extrajudicial executions. Additionally, it calls for  bolstering human rights organizations, fostering a respect for human rights culture, and offering  victims and their families’ effective remedies and assistance.