Missing Baloch students case

Last updated
Missing Baloch Students Case
Court Islamabad High Court (IHC)
DecidedOngoing
Court membership
Judge(s) sittingJustice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani
Keywords
Missing persons, Baloch students, Islamabad High Court, Pakistan

The Missing Baloch Students Case refers to a situation in Pakistan where more than 50 students from Balochistan were reported missing. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has been involved in the case, issuing directives for the recovery of the students.

Contents

Background

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was in the process of adjudicating a case related to the execution of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances' suggestions. [1] This commission, formed in 2011, had the mandate to determine the location of missing individuals and attribute accountability. [1] As per the court's directive, 69 students from Baloch were racially profiled, subjected to harassment, and forcibly disappeared. While some of these students managed to return home, there are still at least 50 who remain unaccounted for. [2] [3]

Court proceedings

The Islamabad High Court (IHC), presided over by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, directed the interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to present himself in court on November 29, 2023, unless he could facilitate the return of the missing Baloch students. [4] [5] The court also called upon the Interior Minister, Defence Minister, and Human Rights Minister to attend the hearing. [2] [6] The court expressed its dissatisfaction with the progress made by both the commission and the government. [4] [2]

Government response

The Interim Interior Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, gave the Islamabad High Court (IHC) his assurance regarding the recovery of the missing Baloch students. [7] On the other hand, Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar stated that he would not be able to appear before the IHC in relation to the case of the missing Baloch students. He cited his overseas commitment to COP 28 as the reason for his absence but assured that the government would ensure representation in other relevant forums. [8] [9]

Current status

As of 29 November 2023, the IHC has been informed that 22 of the more than 50 missing Baloch students have been recovered. The court has demanded the return of the rest of the students. [10] [11] [12]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 "IHC directs PM to recover 'missing' Baloch students or appear in court on Nov 29". November 22, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Desk, Web (November 25, 2023). "IHC releases written order of Baloch missing students' case hearing". ARY NEWS.
  3. ↑ "69 Baloch students subjected to ethnic profiling, harassment, forced disappearance: IHC". Daily Balochistan Express, Quetta.
  4. 1 2 Wasay, Mohammad (November 22, 2023). "IHC summons PM in Baloch students forced disappearance case".
  5. ↑ Ali, Sajjad (November 25, 2023). "PM Kakar Declines to Appear Before the Court in Missing Baloch Students Case". Pashto News and Current Affairs Channel | Khyber News.
  6. ↑ Desk, BR Web (November 22, 2023). "'Missing' Baloch students: IHC summons PM Kakar". Brecorder.
  7. ↑ "Bugti assures IHC of recovery of missing Baloch students". 29 November 2023.
  8. ↑ "PM not to appear before IHC in missing Baloch students case".
  9. ↑ "Missing Baloch students case: Caretaker PM to skip IHC hearing".
  10. ↑ Sigamony, Terence J. (November 30, 2023). "IHC told: 22 out of over 50 missing Baloch students recovered". Brecorder.
  11. ↑ Burney, Umer (November 29, 2023). "22 out of over 50 missing Baloch students recovered, IHC told". DAWN.COM.
  12. ↑ "22 out of over 50 missing Baloch students recovered, IHC told". The Nation. November 30, 2023.
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