In a swift and decisive move, the Islamabad High Court intervened on Friday in the arrest of Baloch protesters, ensuring their peaceful expression of grievances and condemning undue force. Chief Justice Aamir Farooq’s intervention underscored the right to protest and highlighted concerns about alleged police misconduct.
The hearing unfolded with the Chief Justice expressing dissatisfaction with the initial police report on the arrests, specifically questioning the detention of women and children. This prompted the Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad, Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, to personally appear in court, demonstrating an immediate response to judicial inquiries.
During the proceedings, Chief Justice Farooq’s focus remained on upholding the right to peaceful assembly. He directed the IG to arrange for the release of detained women and children and facilitate a peaceful resolution with the remaining protesters. This included handing over the detained individuals to designated administrators for dialogue and understanding.
However, the hearing took a poignant turn when senior journalist Hamid Mir, present in court, detailed disturbing allegations of police mistreatment during the arrests, particularly towards women. Chief Justice Farooq expressed outrage at such potential conduct, questioning the state of law enforcement and the rise in street violence.
Further fueling concerns were claims from the petitioner’s lawyer, Attaullah Kundi, who reported instructions from the Prime Minister to forcefully send the protesters back to Balochistan. Kundi described chaotic scenes where women and students were allegedly loaded onto buses against their will, leading to driver refusals to cooperate.
Recognizing the gravity of the accusations, IG Islamabad offered an apology to Hamid Mir for the reported misbehavior towards him. This public acknowledgment signaled a willingness to address concerns about inappropriate conduct.
Ultimately, Chief Justice Farooq’s intervention highlighted the fragility of human rights and the need for a nuanced approach to handling protests. His criticism of the handling of the situation and emphasis on a civilized approach set a precedent for future interactions between law enforcement and peaceful demonstrators. While the full truth behind the arrests remains under investigation, the swift response from the Islamabad High Court demonstrates a commitment to protecting basic rights and preventing potential injustices.
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