ISLAMABAD: Expressing concern over the state of human rights in the country, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday observed that unlike law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies lacked self-accountability.

The IHC judge also questioned the efficacy of the commission on missing persons.

Justice Kayani, while hearing a case relating to Baloch missing persons, remarked that the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances appeared to be “hand in glove” with those behind the disappearances of citizens.

During the hearing, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan submitted a report on Baloch missing persons to the court.

Justice Kayani questions efficacy of commission on missing persons

Justice Kayani noted that police and other law enforcement agencies were working under their respective statutes, but the intelligence agencies were operating without any statutory framework and, prima facie, lacked self-accountability.

He asked the attorney general to inquire from the defence ministry if there is any mechanism to keep check on the operatives of intelligence agencies.

He remarked that the petition had pointed out a number of human rights violations and made it clear that courts would not rescue any terrorist; however, the judiciary will intervene to stop extrajudicial acts.

Imaan Mazari, the counsel for the petitioner, argued that the day when caretaker prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar appeared before the court, intelligence agencies picked up another Baloch student.

At this, Justice Kayani remarked it showed that the statement of the prime minister was worthless.

When the judge asked about the status of the court-appointed committee on missing persons comprising director generals of the Inter-Services Intelligence, Military Intelligence and Intelligence Bureau, the attorney general replied that the government had challenged the said order in the Supreme Court.

The court adjourned the proceedings till May 21.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2024