Arbab Zahir Kasi kidnapping: BHC decries lawlessness in the province

The bench noted that teachers, doctors and lawyers were migrating from Quetta due to the law and order situation.

QUETTA: Balochistan High Court (BHC) on Thursday expressed resentment on the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan and noted that teachers, doctors and lawyers were migrating from the city.

The bench, headed by acting Chief Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel and Justice Muhammad Kamran Mulakhel was hearing a petition against kidnapping of Awami National Party (ANP) leader Arbab Zahir Kasi. It remarked that there would only be criminals left in the city if everyone had migrated because of the lawlessness in the province.

The petition was submitted by kidnapped ANP leader’s son, Arbab Umar Farooq. Inspector General Police (IGP) and Inspector General Frontier Corps were made party in the case.

During the hearing, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Quetta Abdul Razzaq Cheema appeared before the court and presented his reply on behalf of IGP.

The bench remarked that people were being kidnapped in broad daylight from the centre of the city and the police was unable to counter the situation. “There are four roads in Quetta and it is ironic that law enforcers are still unable to maintain peace and protect the citizens’ life and property,” it added.

The court asked the CCPO to inform the court about the progress made by police in the kidnapping case of Arbab Zahir Kasi.

The court was told that CCTV footage of the abduction of the ANP leader was received; however, some facts could not be disclosed in open court. Upon this, the judges summoned the CCPO to their chamber.

The court directed the police to take effective steps against the kidnappers and keep the court informed about investigations into the recovery of Arbab Zahir Kasi daily. The court adjourned hearings for a week.

Arbab Zahir Kasi, a former provincial president of the Awami National Party, was kidnapped from Patel Road on October 23.