LAHORE: In its fact-finding report titled ‘The Merger and its Discontents’ launched Wednesday, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed concern about the alleged mismanagement of development resources for the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs), the resurgence of militancy in the region, the delayed repatriation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), curbs on fundamental freedoms, incidence of enforced disappearances and the continued use of internment centres.

Led by former HRCP chairperson Hina Jilani, the fact-finding mission team comprised regional vice-chair Akbar Khan, HRCP members Ijaz Khan and Jamila Gilani, and staff members Shahid Mehmood and Marrium Rauf.

The report documents the mission’s visit to Swat, Bannu, Khyber, Peshawar and an IDP camp in Baka Khel, and underscores the discontentment of NMDs’ residents over the slow implementation of the merger plan. Residents also alleged that the merger’s promise of equality, equal protection under the law and equitable development remained unfulfilled.

The report said: “The continued presence of armed forces that hinder the establishment of law and order under police jurisdiction and a return to normalcy, as well as evidence of continued enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions in internment centres were also noted. Such practices, along with threats to the work of journalists and activists, undermine civil liberties, perpetuating fear and distrust among communities. Military personnel must cede space to the police where possible, empowering them with enough resources to tackle an increase in militancy. The Supreme Court must also urgently fix for hearing the appeal against the Peshawar High Court order that declared the Actions in Aid of Civil Power Ordinance 2019 case null and void, in order to remove the ambiguity surrounding the legality of internment centres and cases of enforced disappearances. While certain positive steps for NMDs—including the establishment of district courts, local government elections, representation in the provincial assembly, and police capacity-building—are noted and welcomed, the report draws attention to limited access to courts and essential social services for residents that must be addressed.”

The report also recommended increased access to utilities and social services for residents of IDP camps, and the release of all funds dedicated to development work in NMDs and the empowerment of local governments, with a thorough investigation of allegations of corruption and misuse in that regard.