IHC directs Zafar Mirza, Zulfi Bukhari to meet parents of students quarantined in China
IHC directs Zafar Mirza, Zulfi Bukhari to meet parents of students quarantined in China.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Friday conducted hearing on a case pertaining to return of Pakistani students quarantined in China and directed Dr. Zafar Mirza and Zulfi Bukhari – Special Assistants to the Prime Minister (SAPMs) on Health and Overseas Pakistanis respectively – to meet parents of the students.
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the case. The court expressed displeasure when the health ministry representative told it about the formation of a committee to assist the parents.
Justice Athar Minallah remarked, “Do not tell the court about the committee. Why is the government of Pakistan irresponsible? The affectees are complaining continuously. It is the duty of the federal cabinet to solve the matter, not of the foreign ministry. Why should not some federal ministers be sent to China on a visit?”
The foreign ministry representative maintained that the government is waiting for fresh report from China and the cabinet will take decision afterwards.
The lawyer representing parents of the stranded students argued that there is a clear difference between the statements of the students and the government, and took the stance that the court should issue an order in this case also if it can summon a prime minister.
Justice Athar Minallah said, “The situation is complicated and the decision is to be taken by the government. This is a court and there is no expert here who can solve this matter. The petition is only being heard to satisfy the parents.”
The IHC declared that a four-member team comprising the counsels of the parents will meet Dr. Zafar Mirza, Zulfi Bukhari and cabinet secretary. The hearing was adjourned till March 6.
