ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Saturday directed the federal government and the law enforcement agencies to produce Muhammad Sajid Gondal, joint director in the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), or inform the court regarding his status on Monday (Sept 7).
Sajid, a former journalist, was allegedly abducted on 03 September 2020, and his vehicle was found abandoned on the Park Road, Islamabad.
The Court said in case the responsible public functionaries failed to produce the petitioner, Muhammad Anwar's son before the IHC on 07 September 2020 at 2pm., then the secretary, Ministry of Interior, chief commissioner, Islamabad Capital Territory and the Inspector General of Police, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) shall appear in person to explain why they might not be ordered to be proceeded against for their inability and failure on part of the federal government and the administration of ICT to protect the citizens from harm.
A single judge bench of the IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah on Saturday heard the writ petition of Sajid Gondal's mother - Asmat Begum.
The Court noted that the recent increase in cases of abduction within the 1,400 square miles area of the ICT was alarming and raises questions regarding fundamental rights of the citizens and the state of governance.
"The federal government is responsible to ensure effective enforcement of law and maintenance of law and order in the federal capital," said the order.
The Court noted that impunity in case of alleged abductions and failure of the State in protecting citizens against crime within the jurisdiction of this constitutional Court was intolerable.
The recent increase in alleged abductions raises serious questions regarding enforcement of fundamental rights of the citizens in the capital of Pakistan.
This Court vide judgment, dated 11.07.2018 passed in W.P No. 2974/2016 titled "Mahera Sajid vs. SHO, P.S Shalimar, Islamabad" has identified the officials and organs of the State responsible for protecting fundamental rights of a citizen, when it is a case of alleged abduction.
The office is directed to send copies of this order to the aforementioned officials for compliance.
Moreover, a copy of this order is also directed to be sent to the secretary, Cabinet Division.
The latter shall place copy of this order before the federal cabinet in its next meeting, in case the responsible officials are unable to either produce the son of the petitioner or fail in tracing his whereabouts.
The case was adjourned until 7th September.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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