The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed significant apprehension regarding the forced eviction of long-standing residents in the Umerkot district, characterizing these actions as severe infringements on human rights. Through a statement on social media, the commission highlighted the distressing behavior exhibited by the police, including incidents of violence directed towards women, children, and the elderly. It pointed to underlying structural flaws within the police system, a politicized command structure, a deficient civilian oversight mechanism, and an overall culture of impunity for wrongful actions.

Call for Comprehensive Police Reforms

The HRCP further criticized the Sindh provincial administration, stating that mere suspension of officials or inquiries into conduct are inadequate responses to the situation. It urged the government to pursue broad-ranging police reforms. The commission emphasized the necessity for the establishment of independent bodies to handle complaints, the creation of transparent eviction processes, and the implementation of mandatory training on human rights for police personnel. Additionally, it highlighted the need for measures to shield the police from the influence of powerful elites.

Public Protests and Allegations of Police Brutality

In a related development, the Awami Tehreek (AT) organized a demonstration outside the Larkana Press Club, condemning what they described as “police brutality” during the evictions in Umerkot. Demonstrators alleged that the Sindh government was forcibly displacing impoverished and marginalized families from their homes, utilizing fraudulent revenue documents to erase historic villages. Protest leaders accused police of facilitating these evictions while simultaneously committing acts of violence and humiliation against residents.

Citywide Strike in Umerkot

A previous report indicated that a citywide strike had paralyzed normal activities in Umerkot following police actions that resulted in the forced eviction of numerous families from Afghan Para, in compliance with a court order. The protests led to shuttered markets, limited public transport, and a notable decline in everyday commercial activity. Residents expressed their anger over what they regarded as an unjust and overreaching operation.

Claims of Long-Term Settlement and Lack of Verification

Displaced individuals recounted their history in Afghan Para, asserting they had lived there for nearly a century, with their families having been born and raised in the area. They claimed that despite their deep-rooted presence, they were dispossessed without adequate land record verification, any arrangements for rehabilitation, and with an excessive use of force during the eviction process. The community is now facing uncertainties regarding their future as they navigate the aftermath of these actions.

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