Court summons reports on missing persons

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Our Correspondent April 22, 2025

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PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has sought detailed reports from the federal and provincial governments regarding the disappearance of Muhammad Usman, an Interior Ministry employee, and six other individuals.

Chief Justice S.M. Attique Shah began hearing multiple petitions concerning the recovery of seven missing persons from different areas. During the proceedings, Muhammad Usman's father appeared in court along with lawyers, including Aminur Rehman Advocate, Additional Advocate General Azhar Rahim and Deputy Attorney General Atif Nazir.

According to the petitioners' counsel, Muhammad Usman - who served as a computer operator at the Ministry of Interior - was taken from his residence in the jurisdiction of Paharipura Police Station by individuals in plain clothes accompanied by police officials.

His father informed the court that his son has been missing for the past seven months. "We are patriotic citizens. No member of our family would ever betray the country," he said.

The Chief Justice questioned, "What exactly did your son do that he was made to disappear?" To which the father responded, "If my son has done anything wrong, he should be punished through the legal system - not forcibly disappeared."

The CJ remarked that a decision would be made after reviewing the reports.

Similarly, during hearings on petitions for missing persons Abubakar, Anees, and Abdul Qadir, it was revealed that all three are residents of Jamrud. Two of them had been granted bail, but when family members went to receive them, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials allegedly re-arrested all three the same day.

Missing person Shamsur Rehman was also granted bail by the court, but CTD officials reportedly detained him again.

Another missing person, Osama, was taken from Charsadda who had been serving as an Imam (Prayer Leader) at a local mosque.

Ali Sher, a marble trader, was also abducted.

The PHC has issued notices to the federal and provincial governments and all relevant parties, demanding reports regarding all seven missing persons.

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