Lahore: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed significant concerns about the potential human rights implications of the new Azm-e-Istehkam operation, a federal initiative aimed at addressing rising militancy in Pakistan.

According to Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, while recognizing the urgent need to address the nation’s escalating security issues, HRCP warns of the risks associated with the operation’s current lack of transparency. The organization stresses the importance of involving Parliament in a transparent, deliberative process that considers a wide range of political views to ensure that security measures do not compromise political integrity or the rights of citizens.

The commission is particularly worried about how these security measures might affect ordinary citizens, including families who have already suffered from displacement due to previous operations and have not yet received compensation or assistance in resettlement. HRCP urges that any measures taken to combat militancy should fully respect the human rights of the affected populations, cautioning against practices such as enforced disappearances, the use of military courts, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests.