Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has summoned the Inspector General of Punjab Police and the Inspector General of Islamabad Police to appear in person on April 16 in a case concerning the alleged enforced disappearance of four Afghan brothers.
Justice Mohammad Asif presided over the hearing of a petition filed by Gul Seema, the mother of the missing individuals, who went missing from Islamabad in January 2024. The petitioner’s counsel, Mufeed Khan, argued that the sons had been missing for over a year, with no indication that they were involved in any anti-state activities. He further questioned why individuals visible in video footage related to the case had not been included in the investigation.
Police officials told the court they had summoned the mother for her statement and were examining the case from all possible angles. They stated that SIM card ownership records were also being checked, and that full cooperation was being extended.
However, the petitioner’s lawyer expressed frustration over the lack of progress, noting that despite video evidence and clear identification of the suspects, no arrests had been made in ten months. He alleged Punjab police involvement and insisted that the IG Islamabad should be held accountable for the actions of his subordinates. He also requested that the Secretaries of Defence and Interior be summoned.
The court responded that it would first hear from the IGs and, depending on the outcome, may call other parties later. During the hearing, the mother of the missing men broke down in tears in the courtroom, prompting Justice Asif to remark, “If this happened to you or me, we would truly understand the pain. You people just come and say you don’t know anything.”
Justice Asif further noted, “I was in Balochistan, where authorities initially denied involvement, but later the missing persons were recovered from the same areas. How long will this continue?” He added that the mother regularly appears before the court, living each moment with the anguish of her missing sons.
The court also indicated that a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) could be formed to probe the matter more thoroughly.
The hearing was adjourned until April 16, with orders for the IGs of Islamabad and Punjab to appear in person.
