Justice Farooq characterized the current law enforcement environment in Islamabad as “extremely poor,” calling for urgent action from authorities to address these escalating issues
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: In a troubling assessment of Islamabad’s security situation, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court has raised serious concerns regarding the capital’s deteriorating law and order, drawing alarming comparisons to the extortion crisis previously seen in Karachi. During a recent hearing focused on a recovery case, Justice Farooq highlighted that even individuals within his circle have received extortion demands, underscoring a disturbing trend of rising crime rates that threaten the safety and stability of the city.
Justice Farooq characterized the current law enforcement environment in Islamabad as “extremely poor,” calling for urgent action from authorities to address these escalating issues. His remarks came as part of a broader discussion on the increasing prevalence of extortion notices, which he deemed unacceptable in a civilised society. He pressed the Additional Attorney General to delve into the growing concerns surrounding missing persons and the spike in street crimes, emphasizing the need for accountability and effective law enforcement measures. “If we consider these incidents as abductions for ransom, they must be stopped,” he stated, reflecting on the embarrassment that these rising crime rates pose for the capital.
The court concluded the session by urging authorities to take immediate action to combat the surge in crime and implement viable solutions. In a separate yet related matter, the Islamabad High Court has directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Kohsar police station to investigate the circumstances surrounding the ‘recovery’ of PTI lawyer Intizar Panjotha. Chief Justice Farooq presided over this hearing, stressing that incidents like Panjotha’s should not occur in a civilised society. The court instructed the Kohsar SHO to make contact with Panjotha within a few days to facilitate a comprehensive investigation, as his well-being had been a point of concern.
Advocate Ali Bukhari confirmed Panjotha’s recovery, noting that he was found in poor physical condition, raising alarms about his treatment. The dual issues of rising crime rates and the treatment of individuals within the justice system are indicative of broader societal challenges that the government and law enforcement agencies must confront. As the Islamabad High Court seeks to hold authorities accountable, the implications of these developments underscore an urgent need for comprehensive reforms to restore public trust and safety in the capital.
