The Islamabad High Court has summoned Pakistan’s interim Prime Minister to appear on 29th November to address the issue of the Baloch students who have reportedly been forcibly disappeared. This development emerged during a hearing centered on the implementation of a commission’s recommendations regarding the missing students.
Presiding over the case, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani also directed the appearance of key officials, including the Interior Minister, Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of Interior, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.
In the court session, Justice Kayani highlighted the critical nature of the situation, stating that if the 55 missing Baloch students are not located as per the commission’s guidelines within a week, the Prime Minister will be required to personally attend the court.
The court’s remarks pointed to the significant issue of enforced disappearances, with Justice Kayani noting the severe implications such incidents have on public trust and the country’s image. He instructed the Advocate General to act promptly to recover the missing students as per the commission’s report.
Despite a plea from the Additional Attorney General to reconsider the Prime Minister’s summons, the court upheld its decision, underscoring the necessity of direct governmental engagement in this sensitive matter.
Justice Kayani also expressed concern over the potential international repercussions if the issue remains unaddressed. He rhetorically questioned whether the matter should be taken to the United Nations, thereby risking ridicule for the country on an international stage.
The court gave a seven-day deadline to the Additional Attorney General to ensure the fulfillment of the commission’s recommendations, particularly regarding the recovery of the missing Baloch students.