QUETTA: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary has said that a larger bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan would be constituted in the near future to conduct hearing into the issue of unrest and violation of human rights in Balochistan.

He was addressing “Conference on Environmental Law 2011” jointly organized by the Balochistan High Court (BHC) and the Balochistan High Court Bar Association (BHCBA) held in the provincial capital on Friday.

“All evidences in connection with lawlessness and violation of fundamental rights in Balochistan will be collected and reviewed,” the CJP said adding that it is the responsibility of the federal and provincial governments to ensure protection to human rights. He regretted there was no satisfied situation of law and order in Karachi.

Referring to missing persons issue, he said that with efforts of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, 95 missing persons including of Balochistan had been recovered so far.

He said that petition on missing persons was being heard in the Balochistan High Court while the BHC had also taken suo moto notice of Mastung, Aktharabad tragedies and others.

He said that senior judge of the Supreme Court Mr. Justice Shakirullah Jan had been hearing the cases pertaining to missing persons.

He said, “The Constitution of Pakistan 1973 empowers the central and provincial legislatures to formulate laws for protection of its citizens; however, there is no specific provision therein on the protection of environment”.

The CJP observed that effectiveness of actions depends on a solid foundation of laws, regulations, and implementing mechanism, therefore, the government should pay heed to provide necessary and effective legislation to curb vices.