BHC Chief Justice Takes Notice of Lawyer’s Kidnapping

The Baloch Hal News

QUETTA: The Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court Mr. Justice Qazi Faez Isa has taken suo moto notice of the kidnapping of a senior high court lawyer, Munir Ahmed Baloch, and served notices different government departments to report within a week about the efforts being made to recover the kidnapped lawyer.

The Cheif Justice observed here the other day that kidnapping was a serious offence and a matter of grave concern.

” It is now 17 days and it appears that the whereabouts of Mr. Munir Ahmed, Advocate have still not been traced out.  It is the principal duty of the State to ensure law and order and a Fundamental duty to ensure the security of persons.  Earlier another lawyer namely Mr. Iftikhar-ul-Haq Khan was kidnapped and it was only after suo-moto notice of the kidnapping had been taken that he was released.

” There have been a spate of kidnappings and the performance of the police and other law enforcement agencies is not at a level to effectively combat this menace.  Mr. Munir Ahmed was an Advocate and both the High Court Bar Association and the Balochistan Bar Association have been protesting about his abduction. Accordingly, let this matter be treated as a constitution petition and the following be arrayed as respondents,” said the Chief Justice, seeking an explanation from  the Government of Balochistan, through Secretary Home & Tribal Affairs Department, Provincial Police Officer, District Police Officer,   and the Federation of Pakistan through Commandant Kalat Scouts, Khuzdar.

“The respondents are directed to submit their respective comments about the said abduction and what efforts they have taken to recover Mr. Munir Ahmed, Advocate.  Comments be filed by the respondents within one week.  In case the information is of sensitive nature, it may be disclosed in Chambers,” he added.

The Chief Justice further ordered that notice should also be  issued to High Court Bar Association and Balochistan Bar Association through their respective Presidents.

Lawyers in Balochistan have threatened to intensify their protest after July 5 if the kidnapped lawyer was not recovered safely.