Chief Justice Farooq urged the SHO to contact Panjotha promptly to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive and seeks accountability for his ordeal
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has mandated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recovery of Intizar Panjotha, a lawyer for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, after a troubling period of his disappearance. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing, during which he instructed the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Kohsar police station to take immediate action by recording Panjotha’s statement and conducting a thorough investigation into his abduction.
Panjotha was reportedly found in a poor physical state, prompting serious concerns regarding his wellbeing. Advocate Ali Bukhari confirmed his recovery, emphasizing the alarming conditions in which Panjotha was discovered. Chief Justice Farooq, addressing the incident, asserted that such acts of abduction are unacceptable in a civilised society. He urged the SHO to contact Panjotha promptly to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive and seeks accountability for his ordeal.
During the proceedings, the court also drew attention to the deteriorating law and order situation in Islamabad, which has seen a rise in extortion threats and missing persons cases—issues Chief Justice Farooq compared to the crime challenges faced in Karachi. He emphasized the pressing need for authorities to address these growing concerns, highlighting the importance of restoring public safety and trust.
