DHR expresses its deep concern & dismay over the inactivity & completion of tenure of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances

ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (SABAH): Defence of Human Rights Pakistan has expresses its deep concern and dismay over the inactivity and completion of the tenure of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. The current situation, however, leaves families in distress as their cases remain unresolved, with no avenue for redress. The situation is equally hopeless in various High Courts of the country, where families of the disappeared are left hanging for years without justice.

According to the statement issued by DHR, as of August 2023, the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has reported a disconcerting 2253 pending cases and according to Defence of Human Rights 2423 cases still awaiting resolution. These figures emphasize on the urgent need for immediate action to address the backlog of cases and to restore faith in the justice system.

Families of the disappeared are enduring untold hardships, as the lack of progress in their cases not only prolongs their suffering but also raises questions about the effectiveness of our legal institutions. It is imperative to recognize that these families are victims of a heinous crime, and their right to truth and justice must be prioritized.

In light of the prevailing circumstances, Defence of Human Rights calls for the closure of the inefficient Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CoIoED). Alternatively, proposed an establishment of a new truth and reconciliation commission. This step is vital to ensuring that the pending cases are promptly and fairly addressed, bringing closure to the affected families.

The cases of Enforced Disappearances are filed in various High Courts of the country. But their lack of interest can be noted by the fact that out of all the cases only the cases of the disappeared are canceled and are given long adjournments. So much so that the Islamabad High Court for example, could only have 3 hearings for the entire year 2023 for the 12 clubbed cases of the disappeared.

The arrival of Chief Justice Supreme Court Qazi Faez Isa was a ray of hope for the families of the disappeared. Defence of Human Rights, filed a petition on 9th October 2023 in the Supreme Court of Pakistan to appeal to the highest avenue of justice available in the country. The fresh petition included the cases pending in the Commission of Inquiry with production order notices, as well as cases which were disposed of from other avenues. It is an application of justice and remedy to chronic and pending cases of the disappeared. It also highlights the continuous atrocities faced by the victim families and failure of the existing justice mechanisms in providing them justice. To date the petition has not been fixed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, marking it as another deadlock in the justice system.

“We urgently appeal to the relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to rectify this situation” the statement said. Defence of Human Rights stands firm in its commitment to advocating for the rights of the disappeared and their families, demanding justice and accountability.