SC orders recovery of missing lawyers
The CJP says that efficient law enforcement cannot fail but serious efforts are not made.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - A three-member bench of Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry resumed the hearing of murder and kidnapping of lawyers cases Friday.
The CJP in his remarks said that the federal government and its institutions should give in writing that they are absolutely helpless in the cases of missing persons and lawyers and they can do nothing.
Non initiation of action against the accused persons despite enjoying all facilities by all the national institutions including ISI and MI is clear evidence of utter failure of state organs”, CJP further remarked.
Deputy Attorney General told the court efforts are underway for the recovery of Zahir Ahmad Gondal advocate and interior ministry has filed report in this connection that no clue had been found about him.
CJP remarked “ you have all the resources including ISI and MI and despite it lawyer is not becoming available. Are you helpless.
Court was told Tanvir Gondal is missing since the last 6 years and he has connection with Jehadi outfits. He is also involved in the murder of Chaudhry Zulfiqar.
Deputy Attorney General told Ali Gondal is their brother and he is involved in three different cases. He is also allegedly involved in the case of firing of rocket launcher on parliament.
CJP remarked if your stance is accepted that both the brothers are involved in terror acts. Then as to why Zahir advocate was picked up as he was doing practice. Why he has gone missing.
Justice Jawwad remarked ‘certain specific circumstances are also being stated with reference to disappearance of these lawyers. Do these lawyers fall in this category.
CJP remarked “ produce them before the court. We should be informed about the name of officers involved therein we will summon them irrespective of their ranks and post. If you don’t tell it means that you don’t want to work. Court be told to whom notice has to be issued. State will have to give reply. Wherever he has gone, the court will have to be informed about it.
The court asked for report from government of Punjab in respect of murder of two lawyers including Misri Shah advocate.
The court was told that IG Punjab had told that no progress could be made in this regard. SP Vehari told he was business man and he had several business rivals. He was not practicing and he was doing poultry business.
The court while declaring the performance of law enforcement agencies nil in the murder and kidnapping cases of lawyers has given time of 15 days to federal and provincial governments to initiate action against the accused persons.
The hearing of the case was adjourned till October, 1.
