Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Monday once again failed to appear before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding a case concerning missing Baloch students. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani presided over the hearing, expressing dissatisfaction over the absence of the prime minister, emphasizing that the purpose of summoning him was to inquire about the state’s failure in its duties.
The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, established in 2011, aimed to trace missing persons and hold responsible individuals or organizations accountable. Despite previous summons, PM Kakar did not appear before the court, prompting warnings of potential legal action.
Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan revealed that out of 50 missing persons, 22 had been recovered, while 28 remained unaccounted for. Justice Kayani voiced strong criticism, stating, “The punishment for enforced disappearances should be the death penalty.”
During the proceedings, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat alleged a raid on his house by Islamabad police, highlighting concerns over law enforcement actions.
Justice Kayani expressed frustration over the prolonged proceedings, emphasizing the need for accountability and action. He proposed constituting a committee comprising heads of intelligence agencies to address the issue directly.
Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari raised concerns about ongoing disappearances despite assurances from authorities. Marwat further alleged abductions of PTI parliamentarians and criticized law enforcement’s involvement.
The court directed the interior secretary to summon Islamabad police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) chiefs for the next hearing. It also instructed the defence secretary to brief relevant officials and AGP Awan to inform intelligence agency directors about the proceedings.
Addressing the alarming rise in enforced disappearances, the court emphasized the gravity of the situation and stressed the importance of holding accountable those responsible, regardless of their positions.
The hearing concluded with the IHC once again summoning PM Kakar and interim ministers for the next session, slated for February 28. Justice Kayani urged the premier to prioritize court appearances, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.
In a related development, a report by the non-governmental organization Defense of Human Rights (DHR) revealed 51 new cases of enforced disappearances in Pakistan in 2023, underscoring the persistent challenge of addressing this human rights issue nationwide.
