Not all, but many missing persons to be presented on Friday: Asif tells SC

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has informed the Supreme Court that not all but many of the missing persons will be presented on Friday.

A three member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chauhdry was hearing the missing persons case.

In response to Asif, Chief Justice Chaudhry said the hearing of the case was being adjourned till Friday so the government could present all the missing persons. The defence minister also received a telephone call from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during proceedings, to which Chief Justice remarked that since the prime minister had become involved this was not an ordinary matter.

Speaking to the media after the hearing of the case, the defence minister said a written reply had been submitted in the Supreme Court and evidence regarding the missing persons had been received but it was not possible to present them before today (Thursday).

Earlier during proceedings, Defence Minister Asif had informed the Supreme Court that the missing persons were not in the custody of the government, adding that efforts were underway to find them.

The Defence Minister informed the court that the status of 5-7 persons is known but information cannot be exchanged in public due to its sensitive nature and in view of this requested that an in-camera briefing be held.

Responding to the request, the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry asked the minister to first produce the 30 missing persons and then an in-camera briefing will be held in judge’s chamber.

IGFC Issued Contempt Notice

Earlier, the Supreme Court issued contempt of court notice to IG Frontier Corps (IGFC) on failing to appear in the court despite repeated notices served to him. Also, Irfan Qadir appeared on behalf of the IG FC without the power of attorney.

Chief Justice Chaudhry remarked that he could not be granted any relaxation without appearing in court.

According to FC sources, the IGFC has suffered from a heart attack and has been admitted at the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology since November 29.