Such reports imputing that the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench took a suo motu cognizance of a child abduction case in Quetta were dismissed by the Supreme Court on Thursday. Justice Aminuddin Khan headed the five-member bench.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan requested the court to hear the case in chambers, considering its sensitive nature, and informed the bench that movement was underway for a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to take up the issue.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail pointed out that the case had been lingering for quite some time, and so did not constitute a suo motu proceeding as proposed in the misconception. The argument made in this regard by the counsel of the Balochistan government requested the court’s help to resolve an ongoing sit-in in Quetta protesting against the child’s abduction. Justice Musarrat Hilali made it clear that such things rested with the local administration since that was not under the jurisdiction of this Supreme Court.
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The victim’s father urged the court to act, as he was desperate for the return of his child. Justice Jamal Mandokhail responded by recognizing the serious nature of the situation, saying, “Yes, we all are concerned [over this matter].” The Inspector General of Police has briefed the court, but because of the sensitive nature of the case, not all details can be disclosed.