LHC directs IG Punjab to review CCD’s police encounters

(Web Desk): The Lahore High Court (LHC) held a hearing on Tuesday regarding an alleged fake police encounter involving the Counter Crime Department (CCD).

LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the case, which was filed by petitioner Farhat Bibi. In compliance with a court order, Inspector General (IG) of Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, appeared before the bench.

The petitioner’s lawyer claimed that Farhat Bibi’s son, Ghazanfar Hassan, was killed in a staged police encounter. He further alleged that since the CCD began its operations, multiple similar incidents had occurred. “One of the petitioner’s sons has already been killed, and she fears for the safety of the other,” the lawyer stated.

Chief Justice Aalia Neelum responded firmly, stating that emotional arguments would not influence the court. She referred to the police report which claimed that while transporting the accused after a recovery operation, the vehicle got a flat tire and was subsequently attacked by the accused’s accomplices. The court noted that the SHO had earlier failed to satisfy the court, prompting the IG’s summons. However, the submitted report appeared to contradict the initial claims.

Addressing the IG, Chief Justice Neelum remarked, “If gunfire is aimed at a vehicle, it should strike the accused—not miss the car or the constable. That inconsistency is why you were called. Your report presents a different narrative.”

She also raised concern over the increasing number of petitions against alleged fake encounters. “We are receiving almost 50 such applications daily,” she said.

While expressing satisfaction with the IG’s report, the Chief Justice directed him to conduct a comprehensive review of all CCD-led encounters. “There appears to be a growing trend of such incidents. Sit with your officers and ensure this does not happen again,” she concluded.