IHC Seeks Answers on Missing Person Case, Rs5 Million Compensation Transferred to Family
Islamabad – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday heard a contempt of court case over the delayed disbursement of a Rs5 million cheque to the family of a missing person, Abdullah Omar. The case followed a petition filed by his wife, Zainab Zaeem, seeking her husband’s recovery.
During the proceedings, representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Additional Attorney General submitted an online transaction receipt, confirming that the compensation had now been transferred to the family’s bank account.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani noted that no amount of money could truly make up for the emotional and psychological suffering endured by the family.
The court also ordered an in-camera briefing from intelligence agencies on October 6 regarding Abdullah Omar’s whereabouts.
“Officers of intelligence agencies appear before the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CoIED), but when the court summons them, they become upset,” Justice Kayani observed.
He further remarked, “Someone needs to explain to the court what is really going on — yet no one has done so. At some stage, these matters could lead to criminal proceedings. It’s Parliament’s responsibility to address this issue, but it continues to look the other way.”
The government has been instructed to inform the court by October 6 which official will attend the in-camera briefing.
Referring to data from the Commission of Inquiry, Justice Kayani said, “There are 572 missing persons listed. But the question remains — where are they, and when will they be produced?”
The Additional Attorney General assured the court that state institutions are making efforts to recover missing individuals.
Justice Kayani stressed, “Officials should just come forward and tell the court if the person has been killed, has left the country, or is in hiding. Is he in an Afghan prison? Is he alive or dead? Just come and explain it to the court.”
The hearing was adjourned until October 6, 2025, pending the in-camera briefing from the relevant agencies.
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