SC wants action against army man involved in abduction

The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered police to take action against Major Haider of the Military Intelligence (MI) for alleged involvement in abduction of missing person Tausif.

The court also directed the defence secretary to inform the police about the address of Major Haider within 10 days.

The order was issued by a two-member bench of the SC headed by Justice Chaudhry Ejaz Ahmad during the course of hearing in a case of missing person Tausif, husband of Dr Abida Malik.

Justice Chaudhry Ejaz Ahmad remarked that police should take action against Major Haider per law. “Tausif be recovered and presented in the court,” he further ordered.

Justice Ejaz said the performance of police was a question mark and it was duty of police to ensure protection of citizens.

“Police officers fear talking to officers of intelligence agencies. What will they do if they have to recover some missing person from sensitive agencies? Protecting citizens is obligation of police. The Punjab IG should produce missing lawyer on the next hearing no matter what happens. No one will be allowed to show slackness and negligence.”

At the inception of hearing the court was told that Major Haider and Tausif were partners in timber business. Dr Abida contacted Major Haider after disappearance of her husband and the latter assured her that her husband was safe and she would soon get good news.

Ibrahim Satti, advocate counsel for MI, earlier filed an application in the court that any proceeding could be initiated against army personnel under army act. However, police or other institutions are not authorised to arrest serving armed forces personnel or officers

Deputy Attorney General Tariq Khokhar filed a reply in the SC on behalf of MI wherein it was said that Major Haider and Tausif had certain private matters between them and its responsibility did not rest with the MI.

The petitioner, Asif Taufiq advocate, said police was practicing slackness and it knew where the missing lawyer was. “We are sure the missing advocate has been picked up by intelligence agencies. Police be directed to get recover him. The number of missing lawyers is growing by the day and over eight lawyers have gone missing until now,” he submitted.

Rawalpindi police told the court that adequate steps had been taken for the protection of lawyers. “Better security arrangements have been made by police in district court and high court premises where the offices of the lawyers are located.”

The proceedings were later adjourned.