The Islamabad High Court has issued a strict deadline of two weeks for authorities to recover four missing Afghan brothers, who reportedly disappeared from the federal capital in January 2024. The court took a strong stance on the matter during a recent hearing, questioning police delays and the prolonged suffering of the affected family.
The case was heard by Justice Muhammad Asif, who expressed deep concern over the lack of progress in locating the missing individuals. The mother of the missing brothers, Gul Simakostrum, was present in court and spoke emotionally in her native Pashto. Justice Asif responded in Pashto, acknowledging her pain before translating her words for others present.
“How Long Will This Continue?” Justice Asif Questions Systemic Delays
During the session, Justice Asif posed a haunting question:
Whoever has a missing person dies anyway, how long will this trend continue?
This remark echoed the frustrations felt by countless families in similar situations, highlighting the urgent need for change in how missing persons cases are handled in Pakistan.
The mother shared that she had been visiting the High Court since August, hoping for justice. If my sons are dead, then I should be told to repent,she pleaded. Her heart-wrenching words underscored the psychological torment of not knowing the fate of a loved one.
Court Questions Law Enforcement Commitment
The court was attended by senior officials, including the DIGs of Islamabad and Lahore and the RPO of Rawalpindi. When the DIG Islamabad requested more time to recover the missing individuals, the petitioner objected, pointing out that the case had already been ongoing for eight months with little progress made.
Justice Asif questioned the absence of the Inspector General (IG), to which the public prosecutor explained that the hearing was scheduled for 11 AM, and the IG had not yet arrived. He added that the DIG, RPO, and a videographer were currently present and requested additional time for submitting the report.
However, the court made it clear that it would no longer accept vague timelines or hollow assurances.
We Don’t Need Time — We Need the People
Justice Asif made a powerful statement that reflected the court’s sense of urgency:
How much more time do you need? There is no point in giving time. We don’t need time — we need the people.
He went on to grant the police forces of Islamabad and Punjab two weeks to provide a clear update and locate the missing Afghan brothers. The court warned that further inaction would not be tolerated.
A Spotlight on Missing Persons in Pakistan
The case is just one of many that reflects a broader, deeply concerning issue in Pakistan — the rising number of missing persons and the apparent lack of swift government action to resolve such cases.
Human rights organizations have long been vocal about the need for transparency and accountability in these investigations. The latest developments in this case may signal a shift in judicial attitude, urging law enforcement to deliver results rather than excuses.
What Happens Next?
With a two-week deadline now in place, both the Islamabad and Punjab police departments are under intense pressure to recover the missing individuals or at least provide concrete leads. The court is expected to reconvene after the deadline to assess whether meaningful progress has been made.
The case continues to capture public attention, particularly because it involves Afghan nationals—a community that often feels vulnerable and underrepresented in legal matters within Pakistan.
The Islamabad High Court’s decision to give a strict timeline represents a bold move in the fight for justice in missing persons cases. For Gul Simakostrum and countless others like her, this order offers a glimmer of hope. But the real test will be whether the police can meet the deadline and deliver answers that have been denied for far too long.
