Sectarian killings: Balochistan government reprimanded for failure to nab perpetrators

The Supreme Court on Thursday reprimanded Balochistan government for its abject failure to nab the perpetrators behind sectarian killings in the province. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry asked the counsel for Balochistan government Shahid Hamid to complete his arguments by the next date of hearing so the matter could be disposed of accordingly.
The provincial government was also asked to submit a report by Friday (today) after resolving the issue of doctors who have been suspended following their protest against the kidnapping of their colleagues. The Supreme Court also came down hard on the provincial government for its inability to arrest the culprits involved in sectarian killings.
The Chief Justice observed that the apex court's October 12 interim-order proved true as the provincial government had taken no measures to protect the lives of citizens under Article 9 of the Constitution. "Why don't you try to find a political solution to the problem?" he asked. About possible removal of chief secretary, Justice Chaudhry warned that any such step would be turned down because the secretary had been performing well.
About the alleged support of provincial ministers to criminals, Chief Justice questioned whether any action had been taken against those involved in backing criminals. Shahid Hamid told the bench that 18 missing persons were recovered as a 7-member gang, involved in abduction for ransom cases, had also been busted.
He assured the court that there is no plan to replace the incumbent chief secretary. Advocate General Balochistan Amanullah Kanrani admitted that law and order situation was not satisfactory in the province; however things had improved somehow following apex court's intervention. Later, the hearing of case was adjourned to January 14.