The Peshawar High Court has taken a decisive step in a high-profile missing persons case, ordering the formation of a special team to investigate. The court has directed the Inspector General of Police to constitute a Joint Investigation Team to probe the disappearance of seven individuals from the area under the Tehkal Police Station.
Court Issues Written Order After Hearing Petition
With these directions, the bench disposed of the writ petition and issued a detailed written order. The three-page order was authored by Chief Justice SM Atiq Shah, who presided over the hearing.
The petitioner informed the court that seven men had gone missing from Peshawar. The individuals named are Noorullah, Hanifullah, Mohammad Adnan, Gohar Zaman, Habib, Syed Irfanullah, and Farmanullah. The petition sought their immediate recovery and production before the court.
A key demand in the petition was for the authorities to clarify under which legal provision the individuals were taken. This highlights ongoing concerns about the legal framework surrounding such incidents.
Police Registration and Allegations of Partiality
During the proceedings, Additional Advocate General Naumanul Haq Kakakhel informed the court that a case regarding the disappearances had already been registered at the Tehkal Police Station. He stated that the First Information Report pertained to the alleged kidnapping of the seven men by unknown persons.
However, the petitioner expressed deep dissatisfaction with the progress of the police investigation. The petitioner leveled a serious allegation, claiming that the Capital City Police Officer was himself involved in the matter.
This allegation formed the core of the argument for an independent probe. The petitioner contended that officers working under the CCPO could not conduct an impartial and transparent investigation into the disappearances.
Court Directs Formation of Joint Investigation Team
In light of the allegations and the need for a credible inquiry, the petitioner formally requested the formation of a Joint Investigation Team. The PHC, after considering the arguments, accepted this plea.
The court's order now mandates the Inspector General of Police to constitute the JIT. This move is seen as an effort to ensure a fair and thorough investigation, free from the alleged influence highlighted by the petitioner.
The disposal of the petition places the onus on the newly formed JIT to unravel the mystery behind the seven disappearances and address the serious legal questions raised in court.
