SHC expresses displeasure over police performance

Judge orders formation of new JIT to locate missing person, Samiullah

KARACHI: The SHC once again expressed dissatisfaction over the fact that the police investigation progress report, pertaining to the recovery of over 50 missing persons, had still not been presented, and issued notices to Sindh Inspector General (IG), Rangers Director-General and others, directing them to submit the report within three weeks.



A two-member bench on Wednesday heard the missing persons case in Karachi. Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto said that the country was not under the law of the jungle and the safety of the citizens was the basic responsibility of the state. "From now on, the SHO, SP and DSP of the areas where people go missing will have to face the cases against them," he said.

"Who has the responsibility to arrest wanted suspects?" Phulpoto asked, lamenting that the children and parents of the missing persons were helplessly demanding justice for the recovery of their loved ones. "Families of the missing persons have nowhere to look for help," said Justice Phulpoto.

The court ordered the formation of a new Joint investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the whereabouts of a missing citizen, identified as Samiullah.

The court has also ordered that in case of failure, the JIT head and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) investigation would personally be summoned before the court.

JJVL corruption

The SHC, on a petition against indictment of suspects in the Jamshoro Joint Venture Limited (JJVL) corruption reference of Rs17 billion, issued notice to the NAB prosecutor. A two-member bench heard the petition of suspect, Basharat Mirza, who is a co-accused in the reference.



Mirza's lawyer, Azhar Siddiqui, argued that indicting his client and others was illegal. He said that the matter was pending before the Islamabad High Court. He added that his client had to face difficulties after being indicted. He said that the indictment has made the case complicated and argued that the trial court could not indict in the case. The court, after hearing the arguments, issued notice to the NAB prosecutor and adjourned the hearing for October 25. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 27^th, 2018.