SHC seeks updated report on recovery of missing persons

KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday sought an updated report from the provincial home department, police and other security forces till 25 April about the recovery of more than 100 missing persons.

A two-member bench of the SHC, headed by Justice Naimtullah Phulputo, heard a set of petitions seeking recovery of missing persons. The bench remarked that despite lapse of many years, the police could not ascertain the whereabouts of missing persons.

"Investigation Officers (IOs) are not capable to work in police department," the bench remarked.

Justice Phulupto directed the police to do the needful and tell where are missing persons. "Has the sky eaten them up or have they gone underground or in grave," he remarked. He also directed the police to recover the missing persons as soon as possible.

He said that police officers were visiting here and there carrying files, such personnel should not be in police.

Justice Phulupto also remarked: “We write to Secretary Home Department to come and sit in court all day and check the performance of its police. The bench remarked: "In its view, the Provincial Task Force (PTF) is a failed institution."

Justice Phulputo annoyed at police and said despite several joint Investigation Teams (JITs), it was not in knowledge that how and why citizens went missing. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) submitted its report and told the court that no travel history could be found of those citizens whose National Identity Card (NIC) are not available.

The court summoned Director General of FIA. The bench also directed Additional Inspector General to appoint Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) rank official for investigation into missing citizen, Abdul Qadir. It also instructed the IG Prison to provide record of prisoners to IO regarding the missing persons.

The court, later, adjourned the hearing till 25 April.