BHC orders speedy probe

QUETTA: Balochistan High Court has directed the police to speed up investigation into the murder of two missing persons, whose dead bodies were found from a grapes orchard a few weeks ago in Quetta.

A division bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Muhammad Noor Meskanzzi passed the directions while hearing the case of a missing person Ashfaq Ahmed, whose body was found with that of Farooq Mengal.

Investigation officer Ghulam Fareed submitted the report, explaining that no witness had come forward to record statements including Ghulam Abbas, who was stated to be detained along with Ashfaq Ahmed on May 28, 2010.

The counsel for the petitioner stated that Ghulam Abbas was anxious about his safety, and feared that his family might suffer grave consequences if his statement was recorded.

“In view of the apprehension expressed on behalf of Ghulam Abbas, his statement can be recorded either at the Advocate General’s Office situated within the premises of the high court, or at his own residence. If Ghulam Abbas desires, his statement may also be sealed by the IO,” the court replied.

The court also remarked that it was the duty of the police to ensure safety of the witness. It directed that police protection be provided to Ghulam Abbas and his family, if required.

It also directed them to make possible the statement’s recording, as it would supplement the investigation process.

The bench also remarked that the police were fully empowered to take the investigation to all possible units, including the agencies and the departments working under the federation or the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2010.