Court Orders Continued Investigation into Abduction and Death of Abdul Masoor, Criticizes Law Enforcement Failures

Quetta:A two-member bench of the **Balochistan High Court**, comprising **Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi** and **Justice Mohammad Ayub Khan Tareen**, heard the constitutional petition filed by **Haji Raz Mohammad** regarding the abduction and subsequent death of his son, **Abdul Masoor**. The child, who was approximately 10 or 11 years old, had been allegedly abducted by unknown individuals on **15th November 2024** from near **Omar Masjid**, **Multani Mohalla**, Quetta, while on his way to school.

The petition was initially filed as a complaint for the **recovery** of **Abdul Masoor**, and it was later converted into **Constitutional Petition No. 1766/2024** after the registration of **FIR No. 203/2024** under sections **364** and **34 PPC**. The case was assigned to **SHO Abid Ali** at **Gwalmandi Police Station**, followed by a transfer to the **Serious Crime Investigation Wing (SCIW)** on **16th November 2024** for a more specialized investigation. Subsequently, a **Special Investigation Team (SIT)** and a **Special Task Force** were formed to probe the case.

A **Joint Investigation Team (JIT)** was also formed on **27th November 2024** under the **Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997**, to investigate the case in detail. The team, led by the **Additional Inspector General of Police** of **Balochistan** and representatives from law enforcement agencies, held **18 meetings** to discuss the case’s progress.

However, on **26th June 2025**, the JIT chairman reported to the court that **Abdul Masoor** had been **killed** and his body had been **exhumed** from a grave. This revelation led to a further investigation, with a **DNA test** confirming that the body found was indeed that of **Abdul Masoor**. The court was informed that the body’s recovery took place near **Splinji**, about **50 kilometers** from the location of the initial abduction.

In response, the court expressed **deep sorrow** and **disappointment** at the **failure** of the law enforcement machinery in this case, highlighting the **extreme delay** in the investigation. The court was particularly critical of the **JIT**, which it described as having demonstrated **astonishing incompetence**, providing only **pro forma reports** without any real investigative effort.

The court raised serious concerns about the fact that **Abdul Masoor’s body** had been found **just 50 kilometers** away from his abduction site, suggesting a **catastrophic failure** in the investigation process. The **JIT** and other law enforcement agencies had failed to act effectively within a **reasonable timeframe**, leading to the **tragic death** of the young child.

As the case was officially closed, the court offered its **deep condolences** to **Abdul Masoor’s** family. It also **directed** the **JIT** and other relevant agencies to continue their efforts to **apprehend the culprits** and submit a **charge sheet** to the competent court.

The petition was ultimately **disposed of** by the court.