During a recent hearing at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding the enforced disappearances of Baloch students, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani emphasized the need for agency personnel to face prosecution in order to address this pressing issue. The judge’s remarks underscored the significance of ensuring accountability within state institutions, highlighting that the state holds the power to take necessary action. Justice Kayani stressed the importance of fostering trust in the rule of law, pointing out that a lack of confidence in the judicial system contributes to public dissatisfaction.
Attorney General Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan informed the court that efforts were underway to locate 15 missing Baloch students, with nine having been recovered. During the hearing, Justice Kayani called for a sworn statement from the highest office of the state, seeking a commitment to putting an end to forced disappearances. AGP Awan referenced the federal government’s assurance to the Supreme Court that there would be no forced disappearances in the future, emphasizing trust in the judicial system.
In a previous hearing, Justice Kayani expressed deep frustration over the prevalence of enforced disappearances in the country, warning that if the missing individuals were not located, the court would order the registration of a first information report (FIR) against the interim prime minister and interior minister. The judge’s strong remarks pointed to a sense of societal lawlessness and underscored the fundamental human rights implications of the issue, emphasizing the apparent lack of law and order in the country.
Throughout the proceedings, Justice Kayani’s statements have underscored the urgent need for accountability and the restoration of trust in the rule of law to address enforced disappearances effectively.
