ISLAMABAD; The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a notice to the SSP Operations and directed him to submit a report within one day on a petition seeking the recovery of individuals allegedly abducted for ransom. The case was heard by Justice Inam Amin Minhas on a petition filed by Advocate Yasir Arafat, represented in court by Advocate Qaiser Imam.
The petition alleges that a man named Musharraf Rasool, in collusion with certain Islamabad police officials and private guards, abducted family members of the petitioner’s close associates due to a financial dispute dating back to 2018.
According to the petition, Muhammad Waqas and Sohail Bajwa, who had business ties with Musharraf Rasool, became embroiled in a transaction dispute, after which Rasool allegedly orchestrated the abduction of a friend’s son, another friend’s wife, and three daughters.
The petitioner further claimed that along with the abductions, Rs150 million in cash, ten tolas of gold, and five vehicles were also taken away. Musharraf Rasool allegedly demanded Rs500 million ransom over a phone call. The petition accuses the police of not registering any case against the kidnappers nor producing the victims before a magistrate.
It was also alleged that when Advocate Yasir Arafat attempted to file a petition earlier, he was intercepted at a police checkpoint in G-14, physically assaulted, and his vehicle was seized. The plea requested the court to appoint a bailiff for the recovery of the abductees and to order registration of a criminal case against the abductors.
The Islamabad High Court, after initial proceedings, issued notices to all parties, including Musharraf Rasool, the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, the Punjab IG, the Ministry of Interior, DIG Operations, SHO of Sumbal Police Station, and the State. The hearing has been adjourned until September 24.
This case highlights growing concerns over alleged misuse of police authority in abduction-for-ransom cases and the judiciary’s intervention to safeguard citizens’ fundamental rights.
