Government Deposits Rs 5 Million as Financial Aid for Wife of Missing Citizen

By Asif Naveed

ISLAMABAD: The government has deposited Rs 5 million (Rs 50 lakh) as financial assistance into the bank account of the wife of missing citizen Omar Abdullah, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed on Monday.

The development was shared during the hearing of a petition filed by Zainab Zaeem, the wife of the missing person, seeking her husband’s recovery. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani presided over the hearing.

Advocate Khalid Abbasi, father of Omar Abdullah, informed the court about the financial aid transfer. A representative of the Ministry of Defence was also present and an in-camera briefing was given to the court.

During the proceedings, Additional Attorney General (AAG) submitted a report on the missing citizen and requested the court to review it before the in-camera session.

The petitioner’s counsel reminded the court that in 2018, the IHC had imposed fines on the then Inspector General (IG), Interior Secretary, Defence Secretary, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), and the investigation officer over their failure to recover Omar Abdullah. However, these orders have not been implemented to date.

The counsel also noted that in 2017, the investigation officer had admitted before the court that Omar Abdullah was a victim of enforced disappearance.

Justice Kayani questioned what actions had been taken against the former IG, SSP, and investigation officers, noting that it was the court’s clear order to deduct amounts from their salaries. He expressed concern that these officers might still be receiving full salaries and pensions despite the court’s directives.

Expressing strong displeasure over the lack of action, Justice Kayani said he would include this situation in the court’s written order. The hearing was later adjourned.