'Islamabad facing Karachi-like extortion issues'

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq revealed that even his acquaintances had received extortion demands

Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Monday expressed concerns over the capital’s deteriorating law and order, likening recent extortion cases to conditions in Karachi.

During the hearing of a recovery case, Justice Farooq remarked that even his acquaintances had received extortion demands, marking a significant escalation in crime within the federal capital.

“Law and order in Islamabad is extremely poor, and action is urgently needed,” he stated, noting that extortion notices are becoming increasingly common in the city.

Justice Farooq emphasised that such issues should not exist in a civilised society and called for an immediate response from authorities.

Justice Farooq urged the Additional Attorney General to investigate the growing issue of missing persons and street crimes, stressing the importance of accountability. “If we consider these incidents as abductions for ransom, they must be stopped,” he remarked, highlighting the rise in unsolved cases.

He added that rising crime rates and missing persons cases are becoming an embarrassment for the capital.

The court closed the session, pressing the authorities to address Islamabad’s crime surge and implement effective solutions.

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

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.