Justice Amir Hani Muslim has remarked that the government fails to realize its own responsibilities on its own, and acts all efficient as soon as a court order is issued.
He gave these remarks while presiding over a two-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) during the course of hearing of Balochistan mass graves case Friday.
He further remarked, “Protecting life and property of the people is responsibility of the State but the situation is contrary in Balochistan where the people have to save themselves on self help basis. The responsibility of the government increases further in the prevailing situation of Balochistan and missing persons matters. Government does nothing before until a court gives order with regards to an issue”.
The Khazdar deputy commissioner (DC) presented the report and told that 13 dead bodies were recovered from mass graves. Samples of the bodies were obtained and sent to Lahore Punjab Forensic Laboratory for DNA tests, the report said. Result of this test will be received within 3 to 4 months, the DC told the court.
Nasrullah Baloch, chairman of a social organisation argued that more than 13 dead bodies were recovered adding that they were not allowed to go there otherwise they would have told the real figures. “These dead bodies included missing persons as well,” he said.
The court remarked, “You can approach the judicial commission if you want so”.
Additional Attorney General Shah Khawar told the court that the judicial commission had earlier sought time of one month and now it has sought time for two more months for the completion of their investigation.
The court remarked that there was contradiction in the reports of Khuzdar DC and media in respect of mass graves. Media is reporting that 25 dead bodies have been recovered while the DC has informed about recovery of 13 dead bodies, it said. A judicial commission is also working in this respect which has sought two months time for investigation. The SC does not want to become a hindrance in the investigation of the judicial commission. Therefore, the hearing is adjourned. The case will be heard after two weeks on March 21.
