IHC orders fixing missing persons cases before division bench.

ISLAMABAD -- Displeased with Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal's responses during the hearing of cases pertaining to the recovery of journalist Mudassar Naaru and other missing persons on Monday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) questioned if the AAG was "even qualified to investigate the case".

The court, led by newly appointed IHC Chief Justice Amir Farooq, ordered to fix the cases of missing persons for hearing before a divisional bench.

During the hearing today, the court maintained that it was unsure whether to "laugh or cry" after the AAG stated that the committee formed to investigate the matter became dysfunctional after previous law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar resigned.

The AAG informed the court that the committee constituted by the cabinet was investigating the matter and held eight meetings with the families of the missing persons.

The AAG's response regarding the committee being inactive came after the court questioned what the committee's results were now that Tarar had resigned.

The court maintained that the new law minister could have overseen the matter. "Will the committee cease to exist if the government changed tomorrow," Justice Farooq asked. "Should the case also end now that the former chief justice of the IHC has ascended to the Supreme court?" he further stated.

'There are no results, even if there have been efforts,' Justice Farooq remarked.

He stated that if the AAG wants to do nothing then the court should be informed, and the cases would be disposed of.

Advocate Imaan Mazari appeared before the court as counsel for missing journalist Mudassar Naaru's mother. She said the prime minister had appeared before this court and given several assurances. "A report on behalf ot he prime minister was supposed to be submitted to the court today," she stated.

AAG Duggal reiterated that meetings were held with the relatives of the missing persons...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT