Govt looks to be beneficiary of enforced disappearances: IHC

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday said that the government seems to be beneficiary of enforced disappearances during the hearing of a case pertaining to the recovery of two missing brothers of Azhar Mashwani.

The court remarked, “Apparently it seems as if government is beneficiary of enforced disappearances. How the people are kidnapped and chief executive does nothing.”

The attorney general said he would brief the prime minister. The court said that the chief executive knows about these matters but even then enforced disappearances are taking place.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked if the government does not want to follow due process then what can we say. “They cannot estimate how much such things are defaming the country.”

“I am fixing this case for Tuesday. But I will not be here on Tuesday. We don’t want any delay in this case due to my non-availability,” the judge said.

The court asked about any developments in the case, to which Additional Attorney General (AAG) Munawar Iqbal Dogal told the court that high-level contacts had been made and the efforts were are under way in all ways.

Babar Awan, counsel for the petitioner, gave arguments, stating five laws deal with treason and inciting to treason. “It has not been told anywhere what the national interest is. If I am asked what national interest is, I will say reduce the electricity tariff, while someone from Balochistan will say provide me with gas, that’s his national interest.”

An SP from the Lahore Police appeared before the court and informed that the CCTV footage provided by the family was of low resolution, making it difficult for the Nadra or forensic agencies to extract any meaningful information. “Despite Geofencing of 10,000 numbers, nothing practicable information has been found as of August 23,” he said.

He said that the Safe City Project could not cover all angles and no law enforcement agency could ascertain anything in this regard.

The court remarked it seems as if only government is beneficiary of enforced disappearances, questioning how abductions could take place in the country without any action from the chief executive. “The chief executive is aware of these matters, yet the abductions continue to take place.”

Awan also pointed out that the prime minister does not have the time to read the court’s orders.

The court asked the AAG why the investigation was halted since the case started in IHC. He replied the geofencing report has been prepared.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb inquired about the duration of the missing brothers, to which the police officer said they have been missing since June 6.

The court remarked, “It has been three months since two persons went missing under enforced disappearances. Can we guess what their family is going through? People are being picked up but chief executive is doing nothing.”

The court then inquired, “Additional attorney general, did anything come out of prime minister and attorney general’s meeting?”

Babar Awan requested the court to summon the PM.

The court remarked that as per the Constitution, the prime minister is head of the state, while the AG is head of law. “We had called the AG in the court under a process.”

The court, while ordering the head of JIT Lahore SP to file reports, remarked the police will have to see how those who are not police personnel wore police uniform.

Counsel Babar Awan requested the court to pass strict order.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked, “I will pass an order on this case.”

Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) while summoning IG Police Islamabad on Tuesday on the petition regarding recovery of missing PTI worker Faizan has sought progress report.

The petition seeking recovery of PTI missing worker Faizan came up for hearing before Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb of IHC Friday.

The petitioner lawyers, Babar Awan, Rizwan Awan, Sardar Masroof, Aamna Ali and others appeared in the court.

Additional Attorney General (AAG) and police officers also appeared in the court.

The state counsel said in the court nothing has become known so far. The person went missing on July 28 and application was filed on July 29.

The counsel for petitioner said he did not entertain the application.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb inquired when case was registered on their application.

The counsel said case was registered on August 10 on the application.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb inquired what had been done so far in these two weeks.

Babar Awan requested the court that they should be informed when investigation officer conducted last investigation in this regard.

The court remarked that IG Islamabad should appear in the court on Tuesday. —Online