KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) blasted constant transfers of investigation officers in cases of enforced disappearances. High Court bench hearing 15 missing persons case, expressed its disapproval to transfers and directed authorities to avoid unnecessary transfers of investigation officers.

Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto stressed need of using modern devices to search missing persons instead of traditional investigation methods. “This is age of modern devices to inquire into cases,” bench observed.

“Mothers and children of missing persons are anxious and families of disappeared persons visiting courts for years,” Justice Phulpoto remarked.

Investigation officer in his report said that missing man Mushtaq was affiliated with MQM. “He was involved in personal enmities and when he went missing, MQM and Lyari gangs were engaged in turf war in city,” IO told court. “There were cases registered against Mushtaq at various police stations,” IO added.

“Try to search him, get travel history from FIA, trace his whereabouts,” court told investigator. “If he has committed any crime, punish him before us, send him to jail,” family members of missing person said. “We are visiting courts for eight to 10 years”. “How we convince children where is their father,” family member said. Court summoned reply from I.G. Sindh Police, Home Department and others on December 15. Bench also summoned fresh report from federal government.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 22 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.