Balochistan High Orders Ministries to Respond in Wahid Kambar’s case
SHAAL (QUETTA): The Balochistan High Court has summoned officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior over the abduction of Wahid Kambar Baloch, who was taken from Iran on July 19, 2024. This is the latest chapter in an ongoing case that has raised concerns over human rights and the role of Pakistani authorities in the case.
During the hearing on Thursday July 31, the court was informed by Baloch’s legal team, represented by Advocates Habib Tahir and Shari Baloch, that a Constitutional Petition (CP) for habeas corpus had been filed last year, seeking the recovery of Baloch. Despite the time lapse, the whereabouts of Baloch remain unclear, and his family and counsel continue to demand his safe return.
The court addressed several critical issues, notably the lack of response from most of the respondents involved in the case. Out of five parties initially contacted, only two had submitted replies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided an update stating that the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran had been in contact with Iranian authorities. However, due to the sensitive political situation arising from the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, the Embassy stated that they were unable to provide a definitive timeline for when a detailed report on Baloch’s status would be available.
The second response came from a different branch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which argued that the matter did not fall under their jurisdiction, a claim that was challenged by Baloch’s counsel.
Addressing the court, Advocate Tahir urged Justice Aamir Rana to issue strict directives to the relevant departments, emphasising the need for urgent action in recovering Baloch and revealing his current status. In response, Justice Rana acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, noting that the case concerns the fundamental rights of a Pakistani citizen.
However, Justice Rana also raised a legal concern regarding jurisdiction, pointing out that since the abduction took place in Iran, it could be difficult for a Pakistani court to assume authority over the matter. This concern was promptly countered by Baloch’s counsel, who argued that Wahid Kambar Baloch is a Pakistani citizen, and regardless of where the abduction occurred, it remains the duty of the Pakistani state to ensure his safety and uphold his constitutional rights.
The judge expressed understanding of the legal implications and assured the court that every effort would be made to resolve the issue. As a result, Justice Rana issued an order for the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to appear before the court at the next hearing and provide a report on the matter.
Additionally, Baloch’s counsel reiterated their belief that the Pakistani intelligence agencies were likely responsible for his abduction. They stated that Baloch had no personal enemies, further fuelling suspicions that the state’s security apparatus might be involved. The counsel assured the court that they would exhaust all legal avenues to ensure the safe recovery of Wahid Kambar Baloch.
