Six missing in Karachi: Sindh court demands action rejecting unsatisfactory reports

"We pay more in taxes than the government offers in aid," victims' families reject government aid offer.

The Sindh High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with investigation reports concerning the recovery of six missing citizens from different areas of Karachi.

The court, headed by Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto, remarked that the freedom of citizens cannot be compromised, as guaranteed by the constitution.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer highlighted that Mohammad Tahir has been missing from the New Town area since 2018, while Ali Bahadur disappeared from the Korangi Industrial Area in 2023.

Other missing individuals include Mohammad Imran from Malir Cantonment, Mir Ahmed from Sohrab Goth, Majid Ali from Gulistan-e-Johar, and Tahir Zaman from New Town.

The investigative officer informed the court that several Joint Investigation Team (JIT) and Task Force meetings had been conducted, and letters had been sent to prisons and institutions across the country.

However, the court expressed frustration at the lack of progress, with Justice Phulpoto stating that conventional reports will not satisfy the court.

The government lawyer informed the court that the families of the victims had been offered financial assistance, which was rejected.

The families responded by stating they were more concerned about the return of their loved ones than financial support, with one family member noting, "We pay more in taxes than the government offers in aid."

The court emphasised the importance of taking more effective actions to recover the missing individuals and stressed that no compromise can be made on the citizens' constitutional rights.

In previous SHC sessions held earlier this year on missing persons, the court remarked that when it is admitted that the citizens have been forcibly disappeared, the reason should also be given.

It should also be told where the citizens are and which organisation has detained them.

The special public prosecutor stated that the declaration of forced disappearance does not mean that any institution has confirmed the disappearance or detaining then.

The court remarked then it should be told what is the criteria and procedure for declaring forced disappearances and under which law are missing citizens declared as forced disappearances.