Balochistan case: SC seeks federation’s reply

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday asked the federation to submit a comprehensive response in Balochistan law and order case with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari’s input, Geo News reported.

The interim order of the court instructed the Principal Secretary to the PM Khushnood Lashari to summon interior and defence secretaries and then submit a clear solution of the Balochistan case before the bench.

A three-member bench of the SC headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry continued hearing the Balochistan law and order situation and missing persons' cases today. Chief Minister Balochistan Aslam Raisani also attended the hearing.

During today's proceedings, the bench expressed displeasure over the absence of Inspector General Frontier Corps (IG FC) Major General Obaidullah Khan and Attorney General (AG). The bench said that it is not issuing any notice on the violation of Article 6 of the Constitution.

The CJP remarked that three persons were picked up in Balochistan during the SC's hearing and later, their bodies were found while their cases were underway.

The IG FC must tell about those who are responsible else the court will held him responsible for the disappearances, the chief justice warned.

On this, agencies' counsel Raja Irshad told the bench that IG FC is in Iran on a visit after which the bench summoned the IG FC tomorrow (Saturday).

Justice Khilji Arif remarked that he could not sleep on hearing about the death of three missing men. 'Is somebody trying to scare us,' Justice Khilji asked. He said that nobody could be given a license to kill.

The bench also expressed displeasure over AG's absence and remarked that his absence depicts the government's interest in the Balochistan case. The court also summoned the Interior Secretary.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry's disappointment was evident when he remarked that what can be the height of lawlessness when bodies of those are found who were asked to be recovered alive.

Justice Jawwad Khawaja also remarked that the prime role of FC is to assist police and not to lead them.

The bench asked Inspector General Balochistan Police (IG) Rao Amin Hashim that what has been done after the bodies of three missing persons were found. He told the court that a case has been registered.

On this, the CJP remarked that a case should also be filed against the IG FC and said that Balochistan is also a part of Pakistan but everyone shows ignorance when inquired.

The bench rejected a report submitted by the representative of the Ministry of Defence. Later, Defence Secretary Nargis Sethi also came to the court.

The court adjourned the hearing till June 4.

In the last hearing, the CJP had said if the prime minister did nothing about the problems of Balochistan, the Constitution would take its course, adding that imposition of emergency could be one of the options exercised.