LAHORE: The Crime Control Department (CCD), Punjab, has categorically denied allegations that it follows a policy of staged encounters or engages in extrajudicial actions, asserting that all its operations are conducted strictly within the ambit of law. In a statement, the department said the CCD is a specialised law-enforcement unit tasked with combating organised crime, terrorism and violent criminal networks that pose serious threats to public safety across the province.
The department maintained that it operates in accordance with the Constitution, the Police Order 2002 and all applicable criminal procedure laws. It emphasized that arrest remains the primary objective of every operation, while the use of force is governed by the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality. Lethal force, it added, is used only as a last resort in situations involving armed resistance and imminent danger to life.
Highlighting Punjab’s challenging security landscape, the CCD noted that criminal gangs often possess automatic weapons and engage law-enforcement personnel with lethal intent. In such scenarios, officers may be compelled to act in self-defence to protect themselves and civilians.
At the same time, the department acknowledged that any misuse of authority by individual officers is unacceptable. It said a comprehensive internal accountability and anti-corruption drive has been launched, with strict departmental and criminal proceedings initiated against officials found involved in corruption, abuse of power or professional misconduct.
The CCD reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against torture, corruption, fabrication of evidence, intimidation of citizens and unlawful use of force, stressing that no officer, regardless of rank, is above the law.
According to the statement, CCD operations are subject to internal scrutiny, post-operation reporting, medico-legal and forensic examination, as well as judicial and magisterial oversight where required. The department expressed support for strengthening oversight mechanisms and welcomed constructive recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency and professionalism.
It added that broad allegations portraying the CCD as an institution engaged in systematic wrongdoing undermine public confidence and overlook the sacrifices of officers who risk their lives in the line of duty.
Reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law, the CCD said it remains focused on protecting citizens while strengthening internal systems to ensure integrity, accountability and respect for human rights.
