Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Joint Director Sajid Gondal has been recovered, sources said on Tuesday night.
Gondal took to twitter and wrote: “I am back and safe, and I am thankful to all friends who were worried for me.” Soon after he shared this news on social media, congratulatory messages kept on coming. The SECP officer went missing from Islamabad five days ago. Later on, a case was registered against unidentified persons by the Shehzad Town Police Station on an application filed by Gondal’s wife.
Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari welcomed the release of Gondal. She took to twitter and wrote: “PM made clear in Cabinet that it was unacceptable for people to "disappear" as laws are present to deal with all manner of crimes. Strict orders were given to IG & Interior Ministry on this issue. Good to have Sajid Gondal back safe & sound.”
On Tuesday, the family members of Sajid Gondal protested outside the Prime Minister’s Office. Gondal’s parents, his wife and children as well as some other family members were carrying placards, demanding his immediate recovery as he has been missing since Thursday night with the Islamabad Police unable to make any progress so far.
Talking to 24NewsHD TV channel, his father, who retired from Pakistan Navy as chief petty officer [the highest rank for a junior commissioned officer], said he and his wife were in their native village when the heard news.
He regretted that they had not gotten any assistance either from the SECP or the investigators. They did not have any idea why their son was targeted, he added. Similarly, his mother said, “I must get my son back,” adding that what crime he had committed.
Earlier, the Islamabad High Court gave the government a 10-day time to recover Gondal albeit it had directed the government to find out his whereabouts and recover him by 2pm before the Monday’s hearing when the matter first came before the court on Saturday.
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked that the government had failed in protecting the citizens. What would it mean if there is no rule of law in the country’s capital, he questioned. No mother should move the court in future for her missing so, he remarked and adjourned further hearing of the matter till September 17.
Separately, Missing Persons Commission Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal – who is also the NAB chairman, took notice of the issue and sought a report from the interior secretary and the Islamabad IGP.