Peshawar, The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) released its annual report detailing a series of significant human rights challenges throughout 2023 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including extensive violence, political disruption, and public health crises.

According to Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the year began with the premature dissolution of the provincial assembly, leaving the region without representation or legislative progress for an extended period. Although a court ruling maintained local governance temporarily, the province faced heightened security challenges with notable casualties among police, military personnel, civilians, and militants due to persistent militant activity and resultant security operations.

The report also highlights the adverse impact on the civilian population, noting mass deportations of Afghan refugees and migrants following government directives, alongside widespread protests by public sector workers over unpaid salaries and benefits. Restrictions on movement and association were particularly stringent, with significant arrests following political protests.

Public health issues were rampant, with a significant portion of the population affected by drug abuse and environmental disasters, including fatal weather-related incidents. Despite these challenges, the province saw some progress with the inauguration of its first mental health institution and the enactment of protective regulations for women facing domestic violence.

The appointment of Justice Musarrat Hilali as the first female chief justice of the Peshawar High Court, subsequently elevated to the Supreme Court, marked a historic achievement in the province’s judiciary.

The HRCP calls for urgent action from the provincial government to address these pressing issues and restore democratic norms and human rights protections.