SHC issues notices to Chief Secretary, DG Rangers over security for Afaq Ahmed

SHC directs Rangers, intelligence agencies to keep a tab on MQM-H chairman's movements.

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court on Monday repeated a notice, originally issued on October 26, for December 21, 2011 to the Sindh Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director General of Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, on a petition filed by Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) Chairman, Afaq Ahmed, asking for security following his release from prison.

A division bench, comprising Justice Maqool Baqir and Justice Imam Bux Baloch, repeated notice as none of those who had been issued the appeared on behalf of respondents despite issuance of notice on October 26, 2011. The petition had been jointly filed by Afaq Ahmed and Syed Iqbal Kazmi, representative of Human Rights Commission for South Asia.

(Read: MQM-H petition: Afaq wants protection upon release)

They submitted that the previous government had politically victimised Ahmed for last nine years as they put Afaq Ahmed and his 1,100 workers in prisons. Over 379 MQM-H activists were also killed while the provincial government banned political activities of the party.

They stated that the MQM-H Central Office, Baitul Hamza, was sealed on Feb 22, 2003, disallowing his party from continuing its political activities. It was prayed to direct Rangers to provide protection to Afaq Ahmed, who was likely to be implicated in more case after his release, or worse, could even be targeted.

It was also urged to direct Rangers, and other intelligence agencies to keep MQM-H chairman's movement under observation after his release and regularly submit their reports to the Inspection Team of SHC.

On Monday, none appeared on behalf of respondents nor were any comments were filed despite issuance of notice on October 26, 2011. SHC division bench issued notice to Provincial Chief Secretary, Home Secretary & DG Rangers for December 21, 2011 and adjourned hearing.