Eyes can not be shut to missing persons matter: CJ

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice (CJ) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has remarked missing persons matter is the most vital issue of the country and “we can not shut our eyes to it.
CJ while expressing concern over non recovery of missing persons,  apathy on the part of state  and lack of cooperation from the intelligence agencies in the matter remarked “ since how long more we will avert the applicants. There is a limit to every thing. Missing persons matter is the most important issue of the country. We can

not close our eyes to it. Why the government does not address this issue. As to why any policy is not evolved in this respect. Appointing the lawyer by defence ministry in the  presence of Attorney General (AG) is tantamount to expressing mistrust. We have lost our peace of mind. To what level  the restlessness of those persons has reached whose sons have been lifted. Police officer is recording such a major evidence and it will be state failure if the missing persons are not recovered now”.
Justice Jawad S Khawaja remarked “ Police officer is saying personnel of intelligence agencies have picked up youths. What else can be a bigger evidence than this. This is a serious matter. Government should either to give us in writing that we abandon the hearing of these matters or these issues be resolved at government level.
A 3-member bench of SC headed by CJ took up missing persons case for hearing Friday.
Sub inspector Ehsan Elahi and Additional Attorney General (AAG) Tariq Khokhar appeared in the court
AAG told the court police officer has leveled charges with reference to intelligence agencies. Possibility is there that defence ministry appoints its lawyer or it files some statement in this respect.
CJ remarked “ if you have no trust on AG that you are talking this way. The matters have gone too far ahead already that you should realize that it had become the biggest issue of the country.
AAG said where the lawyer will go.
CJ inquired who will pay the fee.
Justice Jawad remarked “  from where they will pay the fee. Fee will be paid out of taxes collected from people. The issue should be resolved.
The court directed AG to ascertain what the government is doing in this connection.
AAG said government is formulating policy in this regard.
The court remarked “ Ask from the defence ministry that what it wants. If it has to give reply or to engage a lawyer. Court be informed about it till July, 26.