Justice Kayani Emphasizes Accountability in Missing Baloch Students Case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) recently held a hearing on a petition seeking the recovery of missing Baloch students. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani presided over the proceedings where Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan presented a report on the recovered missing individuals.

During the hearing, concerns were raised about human rights violations detailed in the petition. The petitioner's lawyer, Imaan Mazari, highlighted a recent incident where a Baloch student was abducted and later released in Rawalpindi, questioning the accountability of intelligence agencies.

The judge expressed reservations about the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, emphasizing the need for accountability within intelligence agencies. Justice Kayani stressed the importance of agencies operating within the law and avoiding extrajudicial actions.

The court requested the AGP to inquire about self-accountability processes within intelligence agencies and discussed the formation of a committee comprising representatives of key agencies. The hearing was adjourned until May 21, following previous statements by the caretaker prime minister regarding enforced disappearances.

In a previous court appearance, the prime minister had highlighted the challenges faced in Balochistan due to armed insurgency and emphasized the need to address allegations against security forces and counter-terrorism institutions.

The ongoing proceedings underscore the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability within intelligence agencies to address cases of enforced disappearances effectively.