Reply sought on delayed compensation

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday heard a case regarding the non-payment of compensation to victims of the Kachehri suicide bombing, directing the Advocate General Islamabad and the Deputy Attorney General to resolve the matter.

During the proceedings, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued notices to the Interior Secretary and other respondents, seeking their replies.

The petition was filed by Advocate Asif Gujar, while Barrister Tasadduq Hanif appeared on behalf of the petitioner. The counsel argued that under Section 13 of the Lawyers Protection Act, the families of the martyrs were entitled to a compensation package equivalent to Grade 18 benefits. He said more than a year had passed since the Kachehri incident, yet the affected families had not received compensation.

Advocate General Islamabad Naveed Hayat Malik, who appeared on the court's directive, assured the bench that he would personally review the matter and ensure its early resolution, requesting additional time from the court.

Subsequently, the court issued notices to the federal government, Interior Secretary, Chief Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Islamabad for their replies, and adjourned the hearing until June 23.