News
Thursday, April 14, 2011
SC summons Malik, all provincial home ministers
* Court dissatisfied with progress in recovery of missing persons
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has summoned the federal and provincial home ministers, secretaries and provincial police chiefs in the missing persons’ case on the next hearing.
The court, while expressing dissatisfaction over the progress made in the recovery of those missing, observed that law enforcement agencies were not above the law, and action could be taken against them as well. During Wednesday’s proceedings, Justice Javed Iqbal, who is on the three-judge bench that has been hearing the missing persons’ case, noted that some 222 missing persons had been traced due to the apex court’s efforts.
The court held that parliament should take cognisance of the case and do necessary legislation to wipe out the growing menace of militancy. It also sought a comprehensive report from concerned IGs about Zakir Majid, Sami Ibrahim, Saifur Rehman Bangash and Mustafa Azam, who were allegedly whisked away by spy agencies. Defence of Human Rights Chairperson, Amna Masood Janjua, told the court that the number of those missing had reached 347.
Earlier, Balochistan IGP presented a report to the court, which detailed that “during the proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, whereabouts of 17 missing persons have been traced out. And they have safely reached their homes”. Further hearing of the case was adjourned for two weeks.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk