The Sindh High Court expressed concern on Saturday over the delay in forming a joint investigation team (JIT) in the SHC missing persons case, which involves a citizen reported missing in Karachi. The constitutional bench ordered steps to form the team without any delay and adjourned the hearing until November 26.
What the bench said
The bench described missing persons cases as "extremely serious and sensitive" and said the authorities concerned should act immediately and in coordination. It also observed that the disappearance of a loved one causes deep mental and psychological distress for the family. The remarks show that the court treats the delay as a matter of urgency.
Why the JIT has not been formed
The case concerns Azeem Shaikh, who was reported missing within the jurisdiction of the Khawaja Ajmer Nagri police. The investigation officer told the bench he had written to the competent authorities seeking a JIT to help recover him. He said no reply had been received to those letters.
A JIT is a joint investigation team, usually formed from more than one agency, that pools resources to probe a single case. Because the request depended on replies from the authorities, the unanswered letters left it pending when the matter came before the court.
What happens next
The bench directed the focal person of the Sindh home department to ensure prompt implementation of its decision. The home department oversees police and law and order in the province, so its focal person is the official the court has asked to push the matter forward. The Sindh High Court adjourned the hearing until November 26, when the case will next be taken up.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Sindh High Court ne Azeem Shaikh ke laptah hone ke case mein JIT banane mein hone wali deri par tashweesh zahir ki hai. Adalat ne hukam diya hai ke JIT bina kisi deri ke banayi jaye, aur Sindh home department ke focal person ko faislay par jaldi amal karne ko kaha gaya hai. Agli sunwai 26 November ko hogi. Iska matlab yeh hai ke laptah afraad ke kesoon mein tehqiqati iqdamat mein deri par adalat sawal utha rahi hai.
