IHC says it appears govt is beneficiary of enforced disappearances in the country

Showing concern over the lack of recovery of missing brothers, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) observed that it seems the government itself may be benefiting from enforced disappearances. 

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the Mashwani brothers' missing case was heard by IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Friday. Babar Awan, the counsel for petitioner Ahzhar Mashwani, and Additional Attorney General (AAG) Munawar Iqbal Dogal presented arguments in the case.

The court enquired if there had been any developments, to which the AAG responded that high-level efforts were ongoing. However, Babar Awan argued that none of the five laws dealing with rebellion and incitement define what constitutes "national interest." He suggested that for him, national interest might be reducing electricity prices, while for someone in Balochistan, it might be access to gas.

During the hearing, a Senior Superintendent of Police (SP) from Lahore informed the court that the family had provided CCTV footage, but due to the low resolution, neither NADRA nor forensic agencies could extract any useful information. Despite geofencing 10,000 numbers, there were no leads, and the Safe City Project could not cover all angles, he said, adding that so far, law enforcement agencies have been unable to make any progress in the case.

The court remarked that it appears the government benefits from these disappearances, as people are being abducted without any action from the Chief Executive. The Attorney General stated that he would brief the Prime Minister on the matter, but Babar Awan retorted that the PM does not have time to read the court's orders.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb questioned how long the two brothers had been missing, to which the police officer responded since June 6. The court expressed concern, noting that three months had passed, and the pain the family must be enduring is unimaginable, while the Chief Executive remains inactive.

The court asked the AAG if anything had resulted from the Prime Minister's meeting with the Attorney General. Babar Awan requested the court summon the Prime Minister, but the court replied that according to the Constitution, the PM is the head of state, and the Attorney General is the head of the law. The court follows due process in summoning the Attorney General.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb added that if the government does not follow due process, it reflects the bad impression of it worldwide. The court adjourned the case until Tuesday and instructed the head of the JIT, SP Lahore, to submit reports. 

Babar Awan requested a stern order from the court, to which Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb responded that he would pass an order on the case.

Reporter: Hashar Ahsan