ISLAMABAD: Taking serious notice of the issue of missing persons, members of the commission constituted to probe resentments of Baloch students, on Friday expressed resolve to inquire deeper into the matter of missing Baloch students.

MNA Sardar Akhtar Mengal presided over the the third meeting of the commission constituted in light of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) order to probe the resentments of Baloch students held here at the Parliament House.

The participants discussed in detail harassment, enforced disappearances and racial profiling of Baloch students at Quaid-i-Azam University and other educational institutions in Pakistan.

Executive director of Higher Education Commission (HEC) informed participants that upon receiving complaints of racial harassment of Baloch students, several steps were being taken inter alia, including checking of unauthorised entry into universities, enforcement of the harassment policy, pre-cautioning the administration of all universities and establishment of facilitation desks inside universities for redressal of such complaints.

Vice chancellor of QAU Dr Mohammad Ali, apprised the commission regarding the alleged harassment of the Baloch students and a case of a missing Baloch student enrolled in his educational institution. He added that several steps had been taken to ensure that such incidents did not happen again in the future including the circulation of the Code of Conduct among the faculty members, the constitution of a dedicated cell to address problems being faces by Baloch students. Disciplinary action was also taken against the official involved in such activities.

He said that during his tenure of four years, only one case of a missing student was reported, adding that the university had thousands of Baloch students who were performing well and that no one indulged in activities leading to violence. He stated that all ministries and divisions concerned were officially informed about the incident as well.

Secretary (Ministry of Law and Justice) Raja Naeem Akram, briefed the panel on the existing laws about the issue of missing persons/enforced disappearances in line with the overall framework of fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. Senator Raza Rabbani observed that strong political will was the need of the hour to address the issue of missing persons.

Secretary (Ministry of Human Rights) told participants about the proceedings held so far in the Islamabad High Court about the matter of missing persons. From April to Oct 3, 2022, seven hearings had been held, he said, adding that a list of 31 missing Baloch students was given to the ministry through the council of Baloch students of which the Ministry of Interior was made aware of.

Published in Dawn, October 22th, 2022