IHC judge questions govt’s foreign investment strategy amid ongoing missing persons crisis

Justice Aurangzeb doubts govt's dedication to resolve missing persons cases amid global scrutiny of country's approach

On Thursday, Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb raised concerns about the government's strategy for attracting foreign investment amid ongoing issues with missing persons in Pakistan. 

His comments came during a hearing focused on the recovery of Malik Faizan, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker who has been missing.

The case follows recent developments where the IHC summoned key officials, including the interior and defence secretaries, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director general, and the Islamabad inspector general of police. 

This was in response to a petition regarding the disappearance of Azhar Mishwani’s two brothers, Zahoor and Mazhar, who were reportedly taken by law enforcement in June. Lahore High Court Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi had previously instructed the Punjab IG to locate the missing siblings.

The PTI has intensified its efforts to address the issue through a social media campaign, spotlighting the disappearances of several workers and activists, including Ahmad Waqas Janjua, the party’s international media coordinator. 

During Thursday’s hearing, Justice Aurangzeb questioned the government's commitment to resolving the issue, remarking on the international scrutiny over Pakistan’s handling of missing persons cases. 

“The world is watching how our courts are dealing with these disappearances,” he stated. “If the government labels this as enforced disappearance, they need to identify who ordered it and negotiate with them,” he stated.

He expressed frustration with the current state of affairs, suggesting that if the government is indifferent to the issue, it should openly acknowledge its stance. He criticised the government's approach and urged for clarity and accountability.

The judge also challenged the additional attorney general, questioning whether the court should disregard petitions based on the character of the petitioners. 

The attorney general’s response — that the identity of the kidnappers remains unknown — did not satisfy the judge, who criticised the government’s lack of progress in addressing the issue.