IHC orders Islamabad police to investigate Intizar Panjutha's 'recovery'

CJ Aamer Farooq presided over hearing, ordering police to record Panjotha's statement and proceed according to law

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The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of capital's Kohsar police station to investigate the 'recovery' of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyer Intizar Panjotha.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing today where he ordered the Islamabad police to record Panjotha's statement and proceed according to the law.

During the proceedings, Chief Justice Farooq expressed concern over the incident, stating that such occurrences should not happen in a civilised society.

The court urged the Kohsar SHO to contact Panjotha within the next few days to ensure a thorough investigation.

The lawyer’s recovery was confirmed earlier by advocate Ali Bukhari, who detailed how Panjotha had been found in poor physical condition, raising alarm about his wellbeing.

Chief Justice Farooq also criticised Islamabad's deteriorating law and order, noting recent reports of extortion threats in the capital, likening it to Karachi's crime issues.

“There is a serious need to address law and order here,” he said, adding that the rise in missing persons and street crimes calls for urgent action.

Additional Attorney General informed the court that Panjotha’s recovery was achieved through the efforts of the Attorney General, though these efforts had been unfairly criticised.

Chief Justice Farooq commended the Attorney General’s attempts, cautioning against negative campaigns.

The IHC subsequently closed the recovery petition, though it highlighted that the investigation should fully explore Panjotha’s disappearance to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents.

Imran's lawyer rescued in Attock

PTI founder Imran Khan's lawyer and focal person, Intizar Panjutha, has been rescued in Attock after a dramatic police operation. His alleged abductors, however, managed to escape. Panjutha had been missing from Islamabad since October 8.

According to Attock District Police Officer Sardar Ghais Gul, police intercepted a suspicious car at a checkpoint near Hassan Abdal on Saturday.

"The car's occupants opened fire on the police, who responded in kind. The suspects abandoned the car and fled. Upon inspecting the vehicle, police found Intizar Panjutha inside, his hands and feet bound with rope," Gul stated.