In a recent session of the Supreme Court regarding missing persons, Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa emphasized the need for a change in the state’s mindset.
The hearing, attended by various individuals including Shoaib Shaheen and Amina Masood Janjua, delved into past court decisions related to disappearances. Shoaib Shaheen, representing Aitzaz Ahsan, drew parallels between the Faizabad sit-in case and the constitutional roles of agencies, prompting a discussion about the government’s response to protests.
However, Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa questioned the relevance of the Faizabad sit-in case to missing persons, highlighting the court’s affirmation of the right to protest within the confines of the law. Reference was made to the incident involving Matiullah Jan’s abduction, with the Chief Justice clarifying the government’s limited role in that instance. Amina Masood Janjua shared her personal experience regarding her husband’s disappearance in 2005, citing instances where individuals were allegedly taken away under the pretext of the War on Terror.
The court probed into the efforts made by relevant authorities, including the Missing Persons Commission, to address these cases. Discontentment with the commission’s performance was expressed by both lawyers and relatives of the missing persons present in court. Questions were raised about the effectiveness of the commission, its appointments, and the handling of production orders for missing individuals.
The Chief Justice stressed the need for accountability and urged for a comprehensive report detailing the commission’s activities, including specific cases and the status of production orders issued. The court highlighted the importance of peaceful protests and emphasized the responsibility of various government institutions in addressing the issue of missing persons across different regions of Pakistan.
Subsequent discussions revolved around potential reforms, including the suggestion to establish a new empowered commission, while the court sought detailed responses from the Missing Persons Commission within a specific timeframe. The hearing was adjourned for two weeks, with an emphasis on the importance of nonviolent protests and the need for prompt, transparent action regarding missing persons.
