Interim PM Kakar Called Over Baloch Students’ Disappearance

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a summons on Tuesday for interim Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar in connection with the forced disappearance of Baloch students. This development came during a hearing presided over by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, who was addressing the case regarding the implementation of measures to address forced disappearances. Notably, the absence of the Attorney General in this high-profile case was highlighted.

During the proceedings, the Assistant Attorney General requested a deferral of the hearing, citing the unavailability of the Attorney General. However, the court declined this request and decided to summon interim Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar for appearance on February 19.

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Expressing concern over forced disappearances, Justice Kayani remarked that those found responsible for such actions should face capital punishment. The gravity of the situation was underscored by the court’s stance on proceeding with the case despite the absence of a key legal representative.

In a prior hearing, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court expressed embarrassment over the prolonged nature of the issue, stating that it had lingered for several years without resolution. This acknowledgment by the chief justice reflects the judiciary’s frustration with the delayed progress in addressing forced disappearances, highlighting the need for prompt and effective action.

Adding another layer to the ongoing legal scrutiny, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, in a previous month, directed the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances to submit a comprehensive report on missing persons. This directive also included a requirement for detailed information on all production orders that had been issued in connection with the missing persons. The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances was established in 2011 with the mandate to locate missing individuals and assign responsibility to either individuals or organizations involved in these disappearances.

The summoning of the interim Prime Minister in this context underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary is approaching the issue of forced disappearances. As legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on addressing the longstanding problem and holding those accountable for their involvement in such cases. The judiciary’s determination to expedite the resolution of forced disappearance cases is evident in its insistence on moving forward with legal proceedings despite challenges and delays.