ISLAMABAD: Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Islamabad High Court heard a petition concerning police harassment of Baloch protestors. He instructed the protestors to promptly designate a focal person for negotiations with the Islamabad administration and police.
Expressing concern for the safety of women and children among the protestors, the judge warned that the administration and police would be held responsible for any harm that befalls them. The Islamabad Deputy Commissioner informed the court that the protesters couldn’t use the sound system round the clock, emphasizing the rights of other citizens.
The representative of Islamabad’s Inspector General stated that some Baloch protestors were taken away by ‘unknown’ individuals, suggesting a possible dispute between them. Justice Kayani empathized, stating that only those with missing family members truly understand their plight.
The court mandated that the focal person for the Baloch protestors meet with the police and administration at 3 o’clock on Friday. The hearing was adjourned until January 19.
Earlier, IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq reminded the police chief that there were no restrictions on protests. He emphasized that the protestors had not engaged in terrorism and had gathered in Islamabad to seek justice for their detained relatives.
Addressing concerns, the Islamabad IGP assured the court that no children or women were in police custody. Simultaneously, 33 arrested Baloch protestors, including activist Mahrang Baloch, were presented in the District and Sessions Court and appeared before Judicial Magistrate Shabir Bhatti.
