Expressing dissatisfaction over the performance of intelligence agencies and police, the Supreme Court has asked individuals or institutions who had knowledge of missing persons to fulfil the requirements of the law or face action.
On Monday, a two-member bench of the SC headed by Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and consisting of Justice Ijaz Afzal Khan heard the hearing of missing persons Sajjadul Hassan, Saeed Ahmed from Multan and Attiqur Rehman from Sheikhupura.
Additional Attorney General Tariq Khokar and Defence of Human Rights Chairperson Amina Janjua and senior police officials were present in the court room.
During the course of the hearing the court ordered the police and other departments to produce the three missing persons before the court in three weeks’ time.
Expressing his dismay, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar remarked that he failed to understand how people involved in the act could live in peace. He said non-recovery of missing persons was a big question mark on the law enforcing agencies.
“This is the first time I am hearing this sort of case and I am awed and in deep grief over what the families of missing persons must be going through,” the judge remarked.
“If those who have picked up these missing persons are kept in confinement for even a few hours, they would lose their mind,” he remarked.
“The intelligence agencies should think and release the innocent persons. However, if someone is involved in a crime, than action should be taken against them according to the law,” he said.
“It’s not sufficient that agencies come to the court and tell us they don’t have the missing persons. This won’t work. The agencies should present their complete stance before us. One page explanation would not suffice any longer”.
Justice Saqib Nisar said there was a law in the country, so why was a law of jungle prevalent?
Justice Ijaz Afzal asked what would he tell the people. “Giving out new adjournment dates will not work. Courts are here to protect the rights of the people. It is also the work of the government to ensure protection of rights of the people.”
Amina Masood Janjua said the government tried to sweep the matter under the carpet every time and gave no straight answer. “The institutions are not playing their role due to which missing persons have not been recovered.”
“Even today thousands of families from Swat have come to court for recovery of their loved ones. Please help them, for God’s sake,” she said.
During the course of the hearing, police authorities presented various reports regarding missing persons, however, the court expressed dissatisfaction and dismissed the same, ordering recovery of missing persons.
The court adjourned the hearing for three weeks and directed the attorney general to deal with the matter on utmost priority.
