The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, has issued notices to the attorney general for Pakistan, the Interior Ministry, and other relevant parties regarding the ongoing issue of missing persons.
The court's six-member bench has requested comprehensive reports from all institutions concerned on the matter.
During the hearing, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel emphasized the role of parliament in resolving the issue, stating, "The matter of missing persons must be addressed by parliament. If the court has declared parliament supreme, it should prove its effectiveness." He further criticized that the issue could not be resolved through rhetoric.
Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan echoed the sentiment, suggesting that a precedent must be set in missing persons cases. He urged recovered individuals to come forward and disclose who was responsible for their disappearance. However, Justice Mandokhel noted that many recovered individuals claim they were away for personal reasons, such as visiting the northern areas, and refrain from implicating anyone.
Justice Mandokhel also advised senior lawyer Latif Khosa to refrain from politicizing the court proceedings. "Mr. Khosa, political statements have no place in court," he remarked.
The bench highlighted the need for a parliamentary response, suggesting that a general or joint session could be called to deliberate on the matter. Justice Mandokhel referenced the 26th Constitutional Amendment as a potential framework for legislative action.
Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi raised concerns about inefficiencies in the judicial system, while a counsel pointed out that even court orders from the previous hearings were missing. Meanwhile, Justice Afghan noted that recovered individuals in Balochistan, who returned home following orders from the Balochistan High Court, had not provided statements on any judicial forum despite the court ordering them to appear.
"If you want to make an example of a missing persons case, then gather some courage," Justice Afghan remarked, adding that no one in the system is ready to step forward.
The court urged parliament and relevant authorities to demonstrate courage and accountability in addressing this critical issue. Justice Aminuddin Khan stressed the importance of identifying the root causes of enforced disappearances to develop long-term solutions. "We want to move towards a solution in the missing persons case," he said.
The hearing of the case has been adjourned until next week, with the court reaffirming its commitment to resolving the plight of missing persons.
