ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday sought a report from the defence ministry on alleged harassment of Baloch students and directed secretaries of Ministry of Human Rights and Senate to appear before the court in person and explain reasons why a meeting of the commission formed to probe into grievances of Baloch students had not yet been held.

Hearing a petition filed by lawyer and activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, the court observed: “The grievances of the students of Balochistan enrolled in educational institutions are not groundless.” Previously, the IHC had ordered formation of a commission to probe into the matter.

According to the order sheet, authored by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, “the grievances of the students, who belong to the province of Balochistan, are grave ... racial profiling and treating citizens differently is one of the most grave violation of guaranteed fundamental rights.”

The court instructed secretary (Ministry of Interior) to submit a report before the next proceeding and explain why grievances of Baloch students had not been attended to.

Justice Minallah ordered defence secretary to submit a report regarding the progress of disciplinary proceedings against the official who had visited Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, to inquire about Baloch students.

The court expected from the additional attorney general to ensure that a report was submitted before the next hearing, which was adjourned till July 5.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.