The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday said there was no use of forming committees for the recovery of missing persons, and it was the country’s chief executive who was primarily responsible if any citizen went missing, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

During the hearing of petitions filed for the recovery of missing persons, IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Athar Minallah, while addressing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who appeared in the court in person, remarked that there were some serious governing issues in the country. “But these will be resolved only when the constitution is followed,” he emphasized. 

“There cannot be state within a state. There is no big issue than that of involuntary disappearances since these are a blatant violation of the constitution,” CJ Minallah said.  

The CJ, however, praised the prime minister for taking time out of his busy schedule and appearing in the court. 

Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister said he was alive to the gravity of the situation. “Although I have had a busy schedule since I have to visit flood-affected areas. But appearing in the court is my duty,” he asserted. 

He told the court that the government had formed a committee for the purpose, which held several meetings as well. “From now on I will head that committee and submit to the court report as well,” he said, and assured the court that the report would not be without a substance.    

Later, the court allowed PM Shehbaz to leave.  

It is worth-reminding here that the IHC, on the last date of hearing of the case, had ordered the production of all missing persons today. 

The court had also said that in case these persons could not be produced, the prime minister would have to appear in person. 

So important was today’s hearing that all other cases’ hearings were removed from the cause list.

Security beefed up in and around IHC:

Strict security measures were put in place in and around the IHC in view of the arrival of PM Shehbaz as all roads leading to the court were closed while no irrelevant person was allowed to enter the courtroom. 

The prime minister’s security staff reached the IHC before his arrival.   

Reporter: Ehtesham Kiyani