The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday disposed of a petition regarding disappearance of an Azad Kashmiri citizen after it was informed that Khawaja Khurshid Ahmad is in custody of the military. IHC’s Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani conducted the hearing. Defence Ministry’s Director Legal along with Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Dogal appeared before the court. Dogal informed the IHC that Khawaja Khurshid is in the custody of the military on charges of espionage after which the court wrapped up the case. The AAG replied in affirmative when the IHC judge asked whether Khawaja Khurshed was retired from the military. “It’s good the person has been located,” remarked Justice Kayani, directing the petitioner’s lawyer that they can move the relevant forum now. The petitioner’s lawyer sought copy of the Defence Ministry’s response filed in the court.

During the hearing on Friday, the public prosecutor had informed the court that no case had been registered against Khawaja Khurshid with the police. In response, Justice Kayani asked the representative of the Defence Ministry about the status of their report, noting that the police and FIA had already submitted their reports to the court. The Defence Ministry representative replied that they had received the notice only yesterday and requested time until Monday to file their reply. Justice Kayani remarked that the Secretary of Defence seemed unaware of the situation. He emphasized that the report should be filed with the signatures of ISI and MI sector commanders because there will be "an outcome" of it. Justice Kayani further stated that if Khawaja Khurshid was involved in any terrorism, anti-state, or criminal activities, appropriate action should be taken against him, and no objection would be raised.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan