Peshawar High Court Holds Officials Accountable for Enforced Disappearances

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has taken significant steps in addressing cases of enforced disappearances, particularly focusing on the recent disappearance of four brothers from the Alkozai family in Hayatabad. Justice Ijaz Anwar has summoned top officials, including the Secretary of Defense and Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to appear before the court on 14th June to account for the lack of progress in the investigation.

The missing brothers were reportedly taken into custody by the police on 28th February 2024 and have been missing for over three months, prompting dissatisfaction from Justice Ijaz Anwar regarding the slow pace of the investigation despite previous court orders.

The court has also addressed the negligence and non-compliance of authorities, specifically the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) and Senior Superintendent of Police Peshawar, in failing to produce the missing brothers as directed by the court. The Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's failure to recover the brothers within the promised timeframe has raised concerns.

In a separate case, the PHC has intervened in providing relief to a petitioner, member of the National Assembly and PTI leader Asad Qaiser, by instructing relevant authorities to disclose details of cases registered against him. The court has emphasized the importance of preventing harassment of the petitioner due to the lack of information about the cases.

Moreover, the PHC has issued notices to various authorities, including the FIA and District Police Officers, in response to requests from Provincial Assembly members to be enlisted in the stop list. The court's proactive approach in monitoring these cases ensures that due process is followed in each instance, promoting transparency and accountability.

The actions taken by the Peshawar High Court reflect a commitment to upholding justice and accountability in cases of enforced disappearances and legal proceedings involving public officials. By holding authorities accountable and ensuring transparency, the court serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking justice and fair treatment under the law.