SC issues notices to Interior Ministry, AG in Quetta tragedy case

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard the Quetta tragedy suo moto case and issued notices to the Interior Ministry and Attorney General. The case was taken up by the apex court after former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and lawyers’ bodies wrote a letter to the CJ. Notices had been sent out to Balochistan Police IG, Chief Secretary and Balochistan Advocate General.

During proceedings Hamid Khan representing the lawyers argued that no one had been arrested and chief secretary Balochistan was irresponsible. Hamid Khan also alleged that along with the provincial government the federal government was also responsible for the incident.

Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali asked the Balochistan Police IG to inform them of what action the police was taking. Justice Sh. Azmat Saeed remarked that no one would forget this incident adding that questions had to be answered in court. Justice Saeed further remarked that the apex court was waiting for the investigation report on the incident.

Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked that nothing had been learnt from these incidents.

A sealed report was submitted in the apex court by Balochistan Police IG. The court also ordered secretary health to make the trauma centres of all the hospitals active besides ensuring complete security.

The court adjourned hearing of the case to October 14, saying the next hearing of the case would be held in Quetta.

Speaking to media outside the Supreme Court, Hamid Khan said if lawyers would have been provided proper medical care, several lives could have been saved. Hamid Khan said he had asked the apex court to hold both the provincial and federal governments responsible. “The administration is trying to cover up the Quetta tragedy”. Hamid Khan also called for nationwide security arrangements to keep lawyers safe.

Lawyers across the country had boycotted courts to protest a suicide attack at the Quetta Civil Hospital on August 8 which killed 72 people, mostly lawyers.