Balochistan case: SC to pass interim order today

QUETTA: The Supreme Court will pass an interim order in the Balochistan law and order case Thursday, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said on Wednesday, warning a representative of intelligence agencies to desist from creating a state within the state and to help restore peace in the province.

The chief justice is presiding over a three-member bench, including Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, which is hearing a petition on the Balochistan law and order situation at the Quetta Registry of the apex court today.

On Wednesday, commander Muhammad Shahbaz represented the intelligence agencies. Telling him not to make fun of the courts, the chief justice directed him to provide a list of permits for non-custom duty paid vehicles and weapons.

Commander Shahbaz told the court that the secretary defence had cancelled all the permits of weapons and non-custom duty paid vehicles. The chief justice told the officer that they were not cooperating with the court and failed to provide a list of permits that had been issued to certain people for possessing non-custom duty paid vehicles and weapons.

The representative of the intelligence agencies told the court that he would provide the list as soon as he received it. On the occasion, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain told the officer that they should at least withdraw the NOCs of the vehicles and weapons that had been issued. He also directed for handing over the vehicles to the Customs authorities or chief secretary.

The chief justice said that the court would issue an interim order in the case on Thursday, which would be “effective”. He said without elaborating that the court order would contain everything.

Senior lawyer Raja Salman, who assisted the court, stated that the law and order situation had deteriorated in Balochistan. He said the law-enforcement agencies should be bound to perform their duties as per the Constitution. He held the Balochistan and federal governments responsible for the situation.

The chief justice expressed displeasure over the failure of the police to present a list of police postings in several districts. The court sought a list of police officers of the rank of DSP, who were given charge of district police officer in 12 districts.

The inspector general of police (IGP), however, informed the bench that a proposal had been forwarded to transfer the officers.

The chief justice added that the list of such officers was supposed to be presented in the court on Wednesday.Senior lawyer Raja Salman informed the court that the law and order situation had worsened in the Khuzdar district during the last 12 days.