KARACHI / LARKANA: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed its grave concern over the recent incident of forced eviction of long-settled families in Umerkot district.
In a statement issued on Friday, it said that the reported conduct of the police, including violence against women, children and the elderly, reflected “entrenched structural deficiencies, a politicised command, weak civilian oversight and impunity for excesses”.
It said that suspension (of some police officers and personnel) and instituting an inquiry into the matter were insufficient. “Instead, the Sindh government must enforce comprehensive police reforms by setting up independent complaints authorities for such cases, transparent operational protocols for evictions, mandatory human rights training, and insulation from elite capture. The police must protect vulnerable citizens, not function as an instrument for powerful interests.”
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, clarifying that the police action was carried out under court orders, strongly criticised the conduct of the police.
Demands more actions than just instituting inquiry, suspension of personnel
“The manner in which the police acted is unacceptable in any form,” he said, adding that he had personally sought details from the provincial ministers for home and education.
The CM held out the assurance that strict action would be taken against the officials involved in the excess. “I give my word that the Sindh government will take action against any form of abuse or excess, especially when it involves women,” he said.
Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2026
