In a significant ruling, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has mandated the federal government to pay a compensation of Rs 30 lakh to the father of a missing citizen from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This decision came during the hearing of a petition filed for the recovery of Haroon Muhammad, a resident of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who has been missing under mysterious circumstances.
The case was presided over by Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb of the Islamabad High Court. The court’s directive followed a detailed review of the arguments presented by the lawyers representing both sides. The order emphasized the urgency and importance of compensating the family of the missing person, recognizing the distress and hardship they have endured.
The directive stipulates that the federal government must ensure the compensation amount of Rs 30 lakh is paid to the father of Haroon Muhammad before the next scheduled hearing. This financial assistance is intended to provide some relief to the aggrieved family amidst their ongoing ordeal.
Moreover, the Islamabad High Court took additional measures to safeguard the petitioner. The court directed the Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police (IGKP) to ensure the security of the petitioner. This move aims to protect the petitioner from any potential threats or harassment that might arise due to the sensitive nature of the case.
In a related directive, the court instructed the IGKP to register a case against the security personnel allegedly involved in the disappearance of Haroon Muhammad. This order underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring accountability and addressing the concerns regarding potential misconduct by security forces. It reflects a broader commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring justice for affected families.
The Islamabad High Court has adjourned the further hearing of the case for two weeks. This adjournment provides a window for the federal government to comply with the court’s compensation order and for the police to initiate necessary actions as directed by the court.
The case of Haroon Muhammad highlights the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan, particularly in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Families of missing persons often face significant emotional and financial challenges, and the legal system plays a crucial role in addressing these grievances. The compensation ordered by the court not only aims to provide some monetary relief but also serves as a recognition of the suffering endured by the family of the missing person.
Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb’s ruling is seen as a step towards ensuring justice and accountability. By holding the federal government responsible for compensation and directing the police to take action against potentially culpable security personnel, the court is sending a clear message about the importance of protecting citizens’ rights and addressing abuses of power.
This case also sheds light on the broader judicial efforts to tackle human rights violations in Pakistan. The involvement of high courts in such cases is crucial in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done. The directive to provide security to the petitioner highlights the court’s awareness of the potential risks faced by those seeking justice in sensitive cases involving allegations against state personnel.
As the case progresses, the focus will remain on the federal government’s response to the court’s compensation order and the actions taken by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police in line with the court’s directives. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar cases in the future, reinforcing the judicial system’s role in addressing grievances related to enforced disappearances and ensuring accountability within security forces.
The Islamabad High Court’s order to compensate the father of Haroon Muhammad is a significant development in the ongoing struggle for justice by families of missing persons in Pakistan. It highlights the judicial system’s proactive stance in addressing such critical human rights issues and underscores the importance of accountability and protection for petitioners in these sensitive cases. The forthcoming actions by the federal government and the police will be crucial in shaping the narrative of justice and accountability in the context of enforced disappearances in Pakistan.
