PHC Orders JIT in Disappearance of Seven Men – Full Case Details, Investigation Update & What Happens Next
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has taken a major step toward ensuring justice and transparency by ordering the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the mysterious disappearance of seven men from Peshawar. The case has raised serious concerns about policing, human rights, and the credibility of the investigative system in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
This detailed article explains the entire case in simple English, including the court order, investigation problems, allegations, police response, and what a JIT means for the families of the missing men.
Background of the Case – Who Are the Missing Men?
According to the petition submitted to the Peshawar High Court, seven individuals disappeared from Tehkal Police Station jurisdiction. Their names are:
- Noorullah
- Hanifullah
- Mohammad Adnan
- Gohar Zaman
- Habib
- Syed Irfanullah
- Farmanullah
Their families approached the court, claiming that the men were picked up under unclear circumstances and have not been recovered despite repeated efforts.
The petitioner requested the court to direct authorities to:
- Recover the missing individuals
- Inform under which law they were taken
- Assign the case to a neutral investigation team
These concerns highlight the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan, especially in K-P, where families often feel helpless when no clear answers come from law enforcement agencies.
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PHC’s Written Order – Why the Court Intervened
Chief Justice SM Atiq Shah issued a three-page written order responding to the petition. The order shows that the court took the matter seriously due to:
- Lack of progress by local police
- A registered FIR with no meaningful investigation
- Allegations that senior officers may be involved
- The need to ensure an independent and transparent inquiry
The petitioner strongly argued that police officers under the CCPO (Capital City Police Officer) cannot conduct an impartial investigation because the CCPO was accused of involvement.
This argument convinced the court that a different, neutral investigation mechanism was necessary.
Police Version of Events – What the Government Told the Court
Additional Advocate General Naumanul Haq Kakakhel explained the government’s stance before the PHC:
- A case has already been registered at Tehkal Police Station.
- The FIR alleges that the seven men were kidnapped by unknown persons.
- Police are currently investigating the alleged kidnapping.
However, the petitioner rejected this explanation, calling the investigation slow, weak, and suspicious. He also claimed that the CCPO’s alleged involvement prevents fair inquiry, making the usual police investigation unacceptable.
This conflict between the petitioner’s claims and the government’s explanation led the court to take a decisive action.
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Why PHC Ordered a Joint Investigation Team (JIT)
A JIT is considered a stronger and more credible body than a normal police team because it includes officers from:
- Police
- Special Branch
- Counter Terrorism Department (CTD)
- Other relevant agencies
The court stated that forming a JIT would:
- Ensure fair investigation
- Remove influence of any potentially involved officers
- Speed up the inquiry process
- Create a transparent, multi-agency investigation
By ordering a JIT, the PHC ensured that no single department has full control and that different agencies cross-check each other’s work.
Legal Importance of This Case
The disappearance of seven men and the court’s response raise multiple legal and constitutional questions:
1. Right to Liberty and Security
Article 9 of the Constitution protects every citizen’s right to liberty.
If individuals are taken without legal procedure, it becomes a serious violation.
2. Transparency of Police Operations
When police are accused of involvement, it threatens public trust.
3. Importance of Judicial Oversight
The PHC’s action shows how courts protect citizens when:
- FIRs are mishandled
- Police appear biased
- Families receive no information
This case strengthens the argument that courts remain final protectors of fundamental rights.
Understanding JIT – How It Works in Pakistan
What is a JIT?
A Joint Investigation Team is a specialized group that collectively investigates complex or sensitive cases. It is usually formed when:
- Police investigations lack credibility
- Senior officers are suspects
- The case requires multi-agency expertise
How a JIT Helps This Case
- Collects independent evidence
- Records statements without pressure
- Traces digital footprints and surveillance data
- Coordinates between agencies for intelligence
- Ensures no officer can influence the team
For the families of the missing men, the JIT offers hope for justice and recovery.
Public Reaction – Growing Concerns Over Disappearances
The issue of missing persons has been widely debated in Pakistan, especially in:
- Peshawar
- Karachi
- Balochistan
- Ex-FATA areas
People fear unexplained arrests, secret detentions, and lack of accountability.
Social activists say that disappearances create a climate of fear and weaken democracy.
The PHC’s decision sends a strong message that:
“No authority can operate above the law.”
What Happens Next? – Future Steps After JIT Formation
After the JIT is formed, the following steps are expected:
1. Immediate Evidence Collection
CCTV footage, call records, GPS data, and witness statements will be collected.
2. Statements From Families
Families of the seven missing men will be formally interviewed.
3. Investigation Into Allegations Against CCPO
If credible evidence appears, senior officers may face strict legal action.
4. Periodic Reports to PHC
The JIT will update the court regularly, ensuring transparency.
5. Possible Recovery Operations
If the men are in illegal custody or abducted by unknown groups, recovery teams may be activated.
Will the Seven Men Be Recovered? – What Experts Say
Legal and security analysts believe that a JIT greatly increases chances of recovery.
In previous cases, JITs have successfully:
- Traced kidnapped individuals
- Identified trafficking networks
- Exposed illegal detentions
However, outcomes depend on:
- Cooperation from agencies
- Availability of CCTV or digital records
- Whether the men are within Pakistan
The families are hopeful that this step will finally bring answers.
Why This Case Matters for Pakistan
This case is not just about seven missing men. It represents:
- Accountability of law enforcement
- Protection of human rights
- Judicial independence
- The importance of transparent investigations
If the JIT works effectively, it could become a benchmark for future cases involving disappearances.
Conclusion
The PHC’s decision to form a Joint Investigation Team in the disappearance of seven men from Peshawar is a major development. It shows the court’s commitment to justice, transparency, and constitutional rights. While the investigation is still in its early stages, the formation of a JIT gives hope to the families and strengthens trust in the judiciary.
FAQs PHC Missing Men JIT Case
1: What did the PHC order in this case?
The PHC ordered the police to form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the disappearance of seven men from Tehkal Police Station jurisdiction.
2: Why did the court order a JIT?
Because the petitioner alleged that senior officers, including the CCPO, might be involved, making a normal police investigation biased.
3: Has an FIR been registered?
Yes. Police told the court that an FIR alleges the men were kidnapped by unknown persons.
4: Who are the seven missing men?
They are: Noorullah, Hanifullah, Mohammad Adnan, Gohar Zaman, Habib, Syed Irfanullah, and Farmanullah.
5: What is the purpose of a JIT?
A JIT provides a transparent, multi-agency investigation to ensure fairness, accuracy, and accountability.
