Quetta: Former Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court and Federal Shariat Court judge, Justice (R) Zahoor Shahwani, has expressed serious concern over the worsening situation in the province. He said enforced disappearances of citizens have become routine.
Speaking at a press conference at Quetta Press Club, Justice (R) Shahwani said the province faces alarming conditions. He stressed that the situation has worsened steadily over the past four years. “We always stood for the independence of the judiciary, but even lawyers are not safe today,” he added.
He revealed that Advocate Attaullah Baloch from Mastung, along with several other lawyers, had gone missing. Shahwani demanded that if there are charges against any lawyer or citizen, they must be presented before courts.
The retired judge criticized the assemblies for passing bills that grant authorities the power to detain people for up to three months. He said such laws must comply with legal requirements.
Shahwani also disclosed that a few days ago masked men raided his residence. When he asked for a warrant, none was provided. His lawyer son, Zamir Shahwani, was taken into custody and released at 3 a.m. the same night.
The former chief justice announced he would file an FIR against the raid and take legal action. He warned that even during past martial law regimes, conditions were not as dire as they are in Balochistan today.
Justice (R) Shahwani urged authorities to restore the rule of law and ensure citizens’ constitutional rights. He said enforced disappearances cannot be justified under any circumstances.
