Islamabad (Web Desk): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday directed police to thoroughly probe the recovery of Intizar Panjotha, a lawyer associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Aamer Farooq presided over the session, and ordered the police record Panjotha's statement and take appropriate legal action.
During the proceedings, Justice Farooq voiced his concern over Panjotha's condition, stating that such incidents are unacceptable in a civilised society.
He instructed the Station House Officer (SHO) of capital's Kohsar police station to reach out to Panjotha in the coming days to facilitate a comprehensive investigation.
Advocate Ali Bukhari, who confirmed Panjotha's recovery, reported that he was found in a distressing state, raising serious concerns about his health and safety.
The IHC CJ also criticized the worsening law and order situation in Islamabad, referencing recent extortion reports and comparing the capital’s issues to those faced in Karachi.
He emphasized the urgent need for improvements in public safety, citing the increasing incidents of missing persons and street crime.
The Additional Attorney General (AAG) informed the court that Panjotha's recovery was made possible through the efforts of the Attorney General, who had faced unjust criticism for these actions.
Justice Farooq commended the Attorney General's initiatives while warning against negative portrayals.
Subsequently, the IHC closed the petition concerning Panjotha's recovery. The court stressed the importance of a thorough investigation into his abduction to ensure accountability and prevent similar occurrences.
Intizar Panjotha, the lawyer of the founder of PTI, was rescued in Attock following a tense police operation on Saturday night. His alleged kidnappers, however, managed to escape.
The PTI layer had been missing from Islamabad since October 8, when he was last seen in Islamabad.
Attock District Police Officer Sardar Ghais Gul shared that officers stopped a suspicious vehicle at a checkpoint near Hassan Abdal.
“The individuals inside the car opened fire on the police, who retaliated. The suspects fled the scene, leaving the vehicle behind. Upon inspection, we found Intizar Panjotha inside, with his hands and feet tied,” Gul stated.
