By: CHAUDHRY TASAWAR HUSSAIN
The tragedy of enforced disappearances does not end when a missing person is located; that is merely where another layer of suffering begins. Finding the disappeared is just one piece of the puzzle. The pain of their absence—months or even years spent in a cruel limbo—remains unaccounted for. Despite years of advocacy, not a single perpetrator has been publicly identified or held accountable.
The International Commission of Jurists has aptly criticized Pakistan’s inquiry commission for failing to deliver justice. In its current form, the commission has not just fallen short; it has, in fact, entrenched impunity instead of offering redress to the victims. Echoing these concerns, UN experts have expressed alarm over the persistent lack of accountability.
As the commission claims progress by ticking names off its list, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The number of new cases continues to grow. Among the latest victims is Hafeez Baloch, a student at Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad, abducted in his hometown of Khuzdar. His case follows the disappearances of Faseeh and Sohail, students from the University of Balochistan, who went missing late last year. Each disappearance intensifies the cycle of grief, alienation, and mistrust. This enduring blot on our national conscience must not be allowed to grow.
Charting a Path Forward
How do we address this crisis? The answer lies in steps that legal experts and activists have been advocating for years:
Criminalize Enforced Disappearances: Introduce enforced disappearances as an autonomous crime in Pakistan’s Penal Code to establish clear legal accountability.
Reform the Inquiry Commission: Replace the current toothless commission with a robust body equipped with real authority to investigate and prosecute cases effectively.
Adopt International Standards: Sign and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, without reservations, to ensure compliance with global norms.
Ensure Transparency: Lift the shroud of secrecy surrounding Pakistan’s security apparatus and mandate that all institutions operate within a transparent legal framework, aligned with the Constitution.
The Rule of Law Must Prevail
At the heart of this crisis lies the erosion of the rule of law. Without its primacy, Pakistan risks becoming a rudderless ship, drifting aimlessly in turbulent waters. The time for half-measures and platitudes is over. Justice demands action, accountability, and reform.
Law must reign supreme—not just in words but in practice. Anything less condemns us to a future defined by chaos, mistrust, and inevitable wreckage. The fight against enforced disappearances is not just about justice for the victims; it is a battle for the soul of a nation.
About Author:
Chaudhary Tasawar Hussain is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in national TV channels and newspapers. Throughout his illustrious career, he has held key positions, including heading the editorial department in mainstream news channels. His extensive expertise spans various domains, including politics, social issues, and current events.