34 suspects killed in 100 police encounters in Faisalabad

34 suspects killed in 100 police encounters in Faisalabad

A total of 34 suspected criminals lost their lives and 86 others sustained injuries in 100 police encounters reported across Faisalabad district during the last 40 days, according to official police data. One police head constable also suffered injuries during these incidents.

The high number of encounters has triggered a debate among legal experts and human rights activists, who have called for greater transparency and independent investigations into the circumstances surrounding these incidents.

Police records show that the encounters took place between May 8 and June 16 in different areas of Faisalabad. According to police officials, the suspects who died during these operations were allegedly hit by gunfire from their own accomplices during exchanges of fire with law enforcement teams. Authorities shifted the injured suspects to hospitals where they received medical treatment.

The rise in police encounters coincided with the appointment of City Police Officer (CPO) Tanveer Hussain Taneo, who took charge of the district on May 8 after serving at the Crime Control Department (CCD) headquarters.

Soon after assuming office, CPO Taneo introduced a strategy aimed at reducing criminal activities in Faisalabad. He directed police officers to intensify operations against proclaimed offenders, active criminal gangs and repeat offenders. The campaign focused on increasing police action in areas that had experienced a rise in street crime and other criminal activities.

Official statistics indicate that the highest number of encounters occurred within the jurisdiction of Saddar Faisalabad Police Station. The area recorded 11 encounters in which four suspects were killed and another 12 suffered injuries.

Several other police stations across the district also reported encounter incidents. These included Nishatabad, Roshanwala, Jhang Bazaar, Batala Colony, Jaranwala City, Samundri, Ghulam Muhammadabad, Factory Area, Chak Jhumra and Sahianwala.

The frequency of these encounters has drawn public attention and raised questions about policing methods and accountability. Human rights observers have urged authorities to ensure that every encounter undergoes proper scrutiny so that investigations remain transparent and in accordance with the law.