Islamabad High Court Expresses Strong Discontent Over Fundamental Rights, Questions Government Actions

Islamabad:During a hearing on the petition for the recovery of a missing PTI activist, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb of the Islamabad High Court expressed severe discontent with the current state of affairs and the government’s handling of the case.

Justice Aurangzeb sharply criticized the government’s approach, stating, “If you want to amend the constitution and remove fundamental rights, just do it.” He further questioned the effectiveness of the court’s role, suggesting, “If our jurisdiction is to be removed, let the country be run this way.”

The judge expressed confusion over the state’s objectives, remarking, “I do not understand what the state hopes to achieve with this. If you want to detain the individual, we will say nothing, but the country cannot be run this way.” He noted that all relevant government departments, including the Ministries of Defense and Interior, seemed content with the current situation.

Justice Aurangzeb pointed out that the previous bench had identified this case as one of enforced disappearance, calling it a “cruel act.” He asked the Additional Attorney General to clarify what the court should do next and emphasized the need for the government to engage with the alleged abductors.

He concluded by stating, “The federal government, including the Prime Minister and the federal cabinet, ultimately bears responsibility. They need to address this issue directly with the alleged perpetrators.”