SC seeks report over Balochistan unrest

Published January 30, 2014
Relatives of missing persons march on road at Hyderabad press club as they participate in a rally to Islamabad. — Photo by INP/File
Relatives of missing persons march on road at Hyderabad press club as they participate in a rally to Islamabad. — Photo by INP/File

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the ministries of defence and interior to submit a comprehensive report over prevailing law and order situation in the troubled Balochistan province.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk resumed hearing of the case.

Attorney for Balochistan government, Shahid Hamid apprised the court that sixteen Frontier Constabulary personnel cannot be investigated as the FC did not work under the provincial government.

He said that the provincial government has chalked out a plan for the safety of doctors and out of 80 doctors, recommended by Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), a foolproof security has been provided to 16 doctors.

Hamid said that Rs20,000 expenditure occurred on the safety of each doctor with a total expenditure reaching Rs300 million.

During the course of proceedings, Irfan Qadir, the counsel for FC told the court that the paramilitary force was not involved in the matter of missing persons.

Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) chairman Nasrullah Baloch also appeared before the court and prayed to summon FC officials in court.

He also requested the bench to include Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain in the bench as according to him they are aware of the case.

Justice Saqib Nisar remarked that the FC should clear its position regarding missing persons from Balochistan.

On this, Shahid Hamid asked the bench to shift the case to Balochistan High Court.

Nasarullah Baloch then said that if the court referred the case to BHC the matter would not be resolved.

President Balochistan High Court Bar Association told the court that 25 bodies were found in an unmarked grave near Khuzdar, adding that the case should be solved in the interest of the country.

The court seeking detailed report from ministries of defence and interior adjourned the hearing till February 13.

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