On Saturday, the constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC) convened to address several petitions concerning the disappearance of three individuals from Karachi. The court took decisive action by instructing the Sachal police station to officially register a missing person case for Waseem, who has reportedly vanished from the locality. This move underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring prompt police response in such sensitive matters.
In addition to ordering the registration of Waseem’s case, the SHC bench mandated the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to facilitate the search and recovery of another missing individual named Kaleemullah. Recognizing the importance of transparency and accountability, the court emphasized that human rights officials must be included as part of this investigative team. This inclusion aims to provide oversight and ensure that the investigation adheres to legal and ethical standards.
Furthermore, the court directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of Shah Latif police station along with the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to take immediate and effective measures for the recovery of Sarwech Sargani, another man reported missing from the area. The court’s instructions highlight the urgency and seriousness with which these cases are being treated, reflecting growing concerns over enforced disappearances in the city.
To monitor progress, the SHC has summoned a detailed report from the police within a four-week timeframe regarding the efforts made to locate and recover all three missing persons. This deadline is intended to keep the authorities accountable and ensure that the investigations do not lose momentum.
It is worth noting that during a previous hearing, the police informed the court that two missing individuals from the jurisdictions of Gulshan Iqbal and Shahrah Noorjahan police stations had been successfully traced. The missing persons, identified as Noman Shah and Saif ur Rehman, have reportedly returned safely to their families. Following this positive development, the court dismissed the cases related to these two individuals, while continuing to focus on the unresolved disappearances.
The SHC’s proactive stance in these matters reflects broader concerns about the safety and security of citizens in Karachi, a city that has faced numerous challenges related to law enforcement and human rights. By involving multiple agencies and insisting on human rights oversight, the court aims to strengthen the mechanisms for protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice.
