‘Kidnapping’ of IG Sindh: Petitioners express dismay over Registrar Office’s decision

ISLAMABAD: Eminent members of civil society expressed their disappointment over the Registrar Office’s decision to return their petition through which they had urged the court to constitute commission to probe the ‘kidnapping’ of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sindh.

Assistant Registrar (Civil- II), Supreme Court of Pakistan on 29th October 2020 returned the constitution petition as being not entertainable on various purported grounds.

He raised objections over the petition seeking an inquiry into the ‘kidnapping/detention’ of IGP, Sindh, saying that it is neither a matter of public interest nor does it involves the violation of fundamental rights.

“We are surprised and shocked that such an opinion has been taken by the Registrar of the Supreme Court, whereas, if there is any contemporary matter in Pakistan, which is a matter of public importance and involves fundamental rights, it is the kidnapping/detention of the IGP,” they said in a statement.

The members of the civil society decided to challenge this order and in this regard will file an appeal against the Registrar Office in the coming week.

IA Rehman and others have filed a petition under Article 184 (3) of Constitution through senior advocate Faisal Siddiqui regarding “kidnapping and detention” of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sindh.

They have cited Secretary Interior, Secretary Defence, Chief Secretary and Home Secretary Sindh, IGP Sindh and Director General Rangers, Sindh as respondents.

They have requested the Supreme Court to direct the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defence not to interfere in the jurisdiction of Inspector General of Police in relation to initiation and investigation of criminal acts and omissions within the territorial jurisdiction of Sindh.

The Court was further asked to constitute a broad-based independent commission, headed by a retired judge of High Court or Supreme Court, and comprising relevant and respected civil society persons to investigate the “kidnapping and detention” of IGP Sindh.

They urged the court to permanently restrain the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defence and Pakistan Rangers from interfering in the jurisdiction and affairs of the IGP pertaining to the initiation and investigation of the criminal acts and omissions with the territorial jurisdiction of the Sindh province. The members of the civil society urged the court “to declare that the commission conduct detailed inquiry, and submit report on; First, whether IGP Sindh was kidnapped and detained on 19-10-2020 and whether he was forced to issue arrest orders in FIR No.591/2020 against retired Capt Muhammad Safdar Awan. Second, if the answer to the first question is in affirmative, then who were the persons or institutions involved in the illegal and mala fide acts.

Third, recommend legal actions including but not limited to administrative proceedings against any or all persons involved in the illegal and mala fide acts. Fourth, recommend future reform in order to avoid the illegal and mala fide acts.

Further direct the commission to act with such powers as conferred by the Supreme Court and to submit a report within two months for the consideration of the apex court and for passing appropriate orders”.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020