Balochistan situation unsatisfactory: SC

The Supreme Court has expressed its discontent and annoyance over the poor law and order, abductions for ransom, forced disappearances and unrestrained display of weapons across Balochistan. Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Thursday conducted suo motu hearing in the case of abduction of Dr Ghulam Rasool in his Balochistan High Court chamber. The case was pursued by Balochistan High Court Bar Association President Zahoor Shahwani and the Balochistan High Court Bar Association vice president.
Balochistan Advocate General Amanullah, provincial secretary for interior and FATA Naseebullah Baazai and IG Balochistan Umer Khattab were present n the court. During the hearing, Baazai presented a report about the steps taken by the government for the recovery of Dr Ghulam Rasool. However, the chief justice expressed dissatisfaction over the report and rejected it.
He remarked that not a single one of the kidnapped people had been recovered through the efforts of the government, and either their relatives had to pay heavy ransom or the influence of tribes made the recovery possible. The chief justice said being a resident of Balochistan, he was well aware of the fact that kidnappers and anti-social elements were unbridled here and there was nothing like law and order prevalent in the province. He said no one was above the law no matter how influential he was, adding that nobody would be allowed to take law in their hand. The chief justice ordered Baazai and the IGP to take action against unregistered vehicles and display of weapons across the province. Justice Chaudhry said protection of public life and property should be ensured at all costs and indiscriminate action must be taken against criminals in Balochistan. He directed launching search operations and crackdowns against criminals involved in sabotaging peace of the province and killing innocent citizens and destroying their properties. The hearing was later adjourned until September 3.