In a recent development at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the federal government’s appeal against fines imposed on top officials in the cases of missing persons was rejected. The fines were imposed on the secretaries of defense and interior, the chief commissioner, and federal police officers. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in the recovery of the missing persons, and Chief Justice Aamer Farooq highlighted the authorities’ failure to take effective measures in this regard. The court deliberated on doubling the fines and suggested that the respective officials pay from their salaries, emphasizing the prolonged duration of the case and the urgent need for compliance with court orders.
During the hearing, Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal informed the court about the absence of any significant progress in the recovery of the missing persons, further fueling the court’s discontent. The court specifically pointed out the repeated appearances of various attorney generals without substantial progress in the cases, raising concerns about the delayed resolution of these crucial matters.
Notably, a two-member IHC bench led by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb heard the federal government’s appeal against the fines imposed in the disappearance cases of IT experts Sajid Mehmood, Omar Abdullah, Mudassar Naro, and others. The court’s frustration was evident as it sought concrete information on the whereabouts of the missing persons and expressed disappointment over the lack of meaningful developments.
The court also questioned the performance of the enforced disappearance commission and the allocation of resources, highlighting the need for tangible outcomes despite receiving perks and privileges. The dismissal of the federal government’s appeal and the upholding of the decision to impose fines underscore the court’s unwavering stance on securing justice for the victims of enforced disappearances.
Overall, the IHC’s firm stance against the officials’ lack of progress in addressing missing persons’ cases signals a critical emphasis on accountability and swift action in ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights.
