ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has summoned the Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad Capital Police to appear in person tomorrow regarding the ongoing case of missing lawyer Intizar Hussain Panjotha, associated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
During the proceedings, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq inquired about the progress in the case, expressing concern over the lack of substantial developments. “We have received the footage and photographs, but no further progress has been made,” said lawyer Faisal Chaudhry. He added that the court had previously requested a report from the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
A concerned Station House Officer (SHO) informed the court that two front pictures of the missing lawyer had been handed over for investigation. Chief Justice Farooq emphasized the need for the police to take action, stating, “You have to investigate the matter, not them.”
A police officer mentioned that a vehicle had been spotted in the footage at 5:02 AM. In response, Justice Farooq urged the officer to expand the investigation beyond the initial two-minute timeframe captured in the footage.
The SHO further reported that defective cameras hindered their investigation, and efforts to find Panjotha at the airport yielded no results. An IB officer remarked that they were still looking into the matter based on a request they received. However, Justice Farooq insisted, “Do something yourself; it is none of the court’s business.”
The Deputy Attorney General pointed out that the IB was not a party in this case, to which the bench retorted, “We had directed the IB, don’t misstate before the court.” Justice Farooq pressed, “There must be a limit to misstatement. I will ask again, where is the I.G.? He must appear in court tomorrow.”
The Chief Justice expressed urgency regarding the situation, stating, “Ten days have passed; the kidnapped person must be recovered and presented in court tomorrow.” Advocate Riasat Ali Azad, representing the case, added, “It is the issue of a lawyer; we are in a state of torment.” As a result, the court officially summoned the IG for the next hearing.
