Court Summons Interim PM Kakar For The Third Time

Court Summons Interim PM Kakar For The Third Time . Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar faced his third summons from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday in connection with the case involving the disappearance of Baloch students. The court, led by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, adjourned today’s hearing until February 28 and emphasized that attending court should not be seen as an insult for the caretaker prime minister.

Justice Kayani expressed displeasure over PM Kakar’s absence and reminded Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan of the second time the PM had missed a court appearance. The judge also inquired about other caretaker ministers, as well as the defense and interior secretary. Interior Secretary Aftab Durrani eventually appeared before the court.

In a previous four-page written order issued by Justice Kayani, PM Kakar, defense and interior ministers, along with the secretaries of the relevant ministries, were summoned to ensure their presence in today’s hearing at 10 am. The judge stressed the importance of addressing the issue of missing persons, highlighting that not all children have been recovered despite two years of efforts.

During the hearing, AGP Awan informed the court that eight students out of the 12 missing had not been recovered yet. Justice Kayani questioned the criminal cases against the missing persons and whether state institutions were responsible for enforced disappearances. The judge emphasized the accountability of state institutions and proposed forming an inquiry committee to investigate the matter.

Expressing frustration over the failure of multiple governments to address the issue, Justice Kayani suggested forming a committee with representatives from the accused organizations. The AGP requested time for the new government to formulate a policy, but Justice Kayani questioned whether the government would condone enforced disappearances.

Justice Kayani warned that time might come when individuals resist law enforcement agencies, and he addressed the interior secretary, stating that resistance could lead to violent consequences. The judge reiterated the need for the caretaker PM to appear in person and explain why a case should not be registered against him.

This marks the second time PM Kakar has been summoned by the IHC, with the previous summons occurring on November 22, 2023. On that occasion, he did not appear due to being out of the country. The IHC continues to scrutinize the case, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the disappearance of Baloch students and holding accountable those responsible.

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