ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court resumed hearings on the missing persons case, focusing on government measures and legal frameworks aimed at resolving the issue.
During the proceedings, the Additional Attorney General informed the court that Justice (Retired) Faqir Muhammad Khokhar had been appointed as the new head of the Missing Persons Commission, replacing Justice (Retired) Javed Iqbal. The government also plans to establish a Missing Persons Tribunal through new legislation.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar highlighted that setting up such a tribunal would require legal amendments. In response, the Additional Attorney General stated that a cabinet committee is already working on the legislative process.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail underscored that enforced disappearances are already a crime under existing laws, saying, “If someone has committed a crime, they should be tried; otherwise, they must be released.” He criticized the lack of progress, remarking, “If there had been genuine intent, the issue of missing persons would have been resolved by now.”
Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi questioned the effectiveness of the commission, asking, “How many missing persons have been recovered so far? Do those who return reveal where they were kept?” The Registrar of the Missing Persons Commission acknowledged that those who return typically do not disclose details about their disappearance.
The Additional Attorney General assured the court of the federal government’s commitment to resolving the matter permanently. However, Justice Mandokhail pointed out, “The judiciary cannot compel Parliament to legislate; we can only hope the government addresses this issue effectively.”
The hearing was adjourned indefinitely.
