Missing person recovered on court orders

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday disposed of a missing person’s case after Abdul Quddus, a resident of the federal capital who had been abducted for the last eight months, was recovered on the court’s orders.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the case.

At the outset of the proceedings, Additional Attorney General Tariq Khokhar apprised the court that Quddus had returned home.

Federal Interior Minister Brig (retd) Ijaz Shah did not appear despite the court order, but Secretary Naseem Khokhar was present.

The additional attorney general apprised the court that the interior minister was ill and therefore could not appear in court.

Justice Kayani remarked that the purpose of summoning the interior minister and secretary was to inform about the increasing number of cases of missing persons.

The court observed that according to the police report, more than 50 cases of missing persons had been registered in Islamabad. “Put the issue of missing persons before the prime minister and see if it is a law and order situation or something else.”

The additional attorney general apprised the court that the prime minister and the federal cabinet had already taken notice of the disappearances.

Justice Kayani remarked that the prime minister and the federal cabinet should be apprised of the overall situation. “If this is in Islamabad, what will happen in the rest of the country? Courts cannot go and rescue people on their own. The police have to issue orders.”

The judge remarked that according to the law, only the police had the power to make arrests. “But sadly, other agencies are also making arrests that are against the law. Protecting the fundamental rights of citizens is the responsibility of the federal government.

“If an institution interferes with the protection of rights, it will be a misconduct of the federal government.”

Justice Kayani remarked that if there are more than 50 missing persons in Islamabad, it is a very serious matter.

The interior secretary informed the court that the matter was placed before the prime minister and the cabinet on the direction of the chief justice and this court.

Justice Kayani remarked, “Our aim was to take the matter to the prime minister and the cabinet. Only the police, CTD and FIA are involved in law enforcement. According to the law, only these three agencies can take action. Other agencies cannot take action.”