The case comes in the wake of the federal government’s recent announcement of a new initiative under the National Consensus and Legal Resolution Program that providing Rs5m to missing persons’ families
ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) be made a party in the case concerning the recovery of Faizan Usman, a missing citizen. The court also instructed the ISI’s sector commander to collaborate with the Inspector General of Islamabad in the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. The directives were issued during a hearing presided over by Justice Babar Sattar, who underscored the necessity of immediate action to locate the missing individual.
The court has set a strict deadline, instructing authorities to trace Faizan Usman by Thursday, emphasizing that any delay would be unacceptable. Justice Sattar further instructed the Inspector General to expedite the investigation by tracing the missing person’s phone number and vehicle, highlighting the importance of these leads in the search effort. The petition filed by Faizan Usman’s family described a harrowing ordeal, detailing how unidentified individuals forcibly entered their home, conducted a thorough search, and abducted Usman. The family alleges that the abduction may be linked to suspicions of Usman’s connections with a proscribed organization.
Despite the family’s persistent efforts to obtain information from authorities, including repeated visits to their offices, they have been met with silence regarding Usman’s whereabouts. The petitioner provided evidence to the court, including video footage showing a vehicle with a Quetta number plate near the residence on the day of the abduction, further intensifying fears for Usman’s safety. The petitioner also expressed concerns about threats received from the abductors, warning the family against approaching the media or the courts.
The Islamabad High Court, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, has adjourned the hearing until Thursday, issuing a firm directive to the relevant authorities to ensure the recovery of Faizan Usman. The court’s involvement marks a critical step in addressing the growing concerns over enforced disappearances in the country. This case comes in the wake of the federal government’s recent announcement in August of a new initiative under the “National Consensus and Legal Resolution” program. The program offers financial aid of Rs5 million to families of missing persons to alleviate their economic hardships. However, the government has clarified that this financial assistance should not be interpreted as an admission of responsibility by the state or its institutions.
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