‘Where are the courts?’: Killing of Multan suspect in alleged CCD encounter sparks concern among lawyers, journalists

The death of a suspect, allegedly during an exchange of fire with Punjab’s Crime Control Department (CCD), sparked questions from lawyers and journalists on Wednesday regarding extrajudicial killings and due process. The CCD, established last year, has been criticised by human rights advocates and civil society members for a high number of casualties. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) alleged earlier this year that the CCD has adopted a “deliberate policy of staged police encounters leading to extrajudicial killings”. In response, the department termed the claims as unfounded and…