Nearly 2,000 People Allegedly Killed in Extrajudicial Incidents Since 2025, Says HRCP Chairman Asad Iqbal Butt

ISLAMABAD: Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Chairman Asad Iqbal Butt has raised serious concerns over alleged extrajudicial killings in the country, claiming that nearly 2,000 people have been killed in such incidents since 2025, including around 1,000 during the past six months.
Speaking on Samaa News' programme hosted by anchor Nadeem Malik, Asad Iqbal Butt said that the HRCP's previous report had documented 942 alleged extrajudicial killings, while the latest report recorded approximately 1,000 cases. According to him, the combined figures for 2025 and 2026 bring the total close to 2,000.
He said that when the commission's report was declared inaccurate, the authorities were invited to approach the courts, adding that the HRCP had evidence and FIRs relating to the incidents. He described the situation as alarming and questioned whether a country could be governed through such practices.
The HRCP chairman argued that extrajudicial actions do not provide a lasting solution to crime. He said that although such measures might temporarily create an impression of reduced criminal activity, they do not eliminate crime and may eventually contribute to further problems. Referring to incidents in Lahore, he also expressed concern that crime and loss of life had continued despite such actions.
Asad Iqbal Butt stressed that suspects should be arrested, investigated and presented before courts in accordance with the law. He said the police system needed reforms to ensure effective investigations and lawful action against those accused of crimes.
He further questioned the distinction between criminal conduct and unlawful actions by law-enforcement personnel, arguing that extrajudicial killings undermine the principles on which the justice system is based.
Making his point, he remarked that if a slap is answered with another slap, then courts might as well be closed. He added that people should not be encouraged to take revenge into their own hands. Similarly, if someone commits murder, responding with another killing will not resolve the problem but will only make matters worse.
The HRCP chairman acknowledged that the judicial system also requires reforms and that delays and other shortcomings remain serious challenges. However, he maintained that courts still provide citizens with an avenue for justice and a source of hope when they face injustice.
He called for improvements in the police system, transparent investigations, respect for the rule of law and an effective judicial process, rather than relying on extrajudicial measures to control crime.
Important clarification: The figures of nearly 2,000 alleged extrajudicial killings since 2025 and approximately 1,000 during the last six months are claims attributed to HRCP Chairman Asad Iqbal Butt and the reports he referred to. Independent verification would require examination of the original HRCP reports and their methodology.