IHC summons ISI, MI, IB officials for in-camera briefing in missing persons case

The larger bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has summoned senior officials, including representatives from Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI), and Intelligence Bureau (IB), for an in-camera briefing regarding missing persons.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, this development occurred during the hearing of petitions on enforced disappearances, presided over by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and a larger bench that includes Justices Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri and Arbab Muhammad Tahir on Thursday.

The IHC expressed deep concerns over the performance of the Missing Persons Commission. 

During the hearing, Justice Kayani returned a sealed report to the representative of the Ministry of Defence and requested that the committee of senior officials come forward to brief the court. 

He noted that the commission has issued production orders for up to 20 missing persons in individual cases, yet meaningful progress remains elusive.

Justice Kayani strongly criticised the commission's handling of the cases, stating, "The commission is throwing dust in our eyes. I have not seen anywhere that the commission has the authority to review cases in this manner." 

He voiced his frustrations with the commission, saying, "I am deeply troubled by what I read in the commission’s reports. If this continues, I will not be able to sit in this court."

Justice Kayani highlighted his disagreements with the commission's approach and questioned why it has failed to take decisive action, despite having the powers of a Supreme Court judge. 

"The commission has the authority but is unwilling to use it. There is no need for a commission if it only worsens the problem," he said.

The court directed the government to formulate a policy on how to address enforced disappearances and present it before the federal cabinet. 

Justice Kayani emphasised that the Ministry of Defence and intelligence agencies should develop a mechanism to resolve the issue of missing persons and submit it to the federal government for approval.

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori