LHC criticizes FM Dar's performance in child abduction case

LAHORE, (NNI): The Lahore High Court has criticised the performance of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, saying that he sat on TV shows for three years, bragging about his performance, which was actually nil.

The court was hearing the plea of a woman against the alleged abduction of her minor child and being taken abroad after altering his documents. The court demanded a fresh report from both the ministries of interior and foreign affairs concerning the case, hinting at first summoning the foreign minister and then the prime minister.

Despite previous court orders, the Foreign Ministry failed to submit the required report, at which the chief justice of the Lahore High Court expressed displeasure at Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He also directed Dar to be cautious regarding the upcoming court orders.

The court then sought a progress report regarding the return of the minor child from abroad in a month.

During the proceedings, Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram appeared before the court, acknowledging the delay in addressing the case and apologising for it. He assured the court of his commitment to resolving the matter promptly, saying he had assumed office just last week.

However, Chief Justice Malik Shehzad Ahmed Khan expressed frustration at the prolonged delay, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, particularly for the aggrieved woman, who has been waiting for justice for three years.

"We will summon the foreign minister, and then we will summon the prime minister," the chief justice ordered.

He also criticized the performance of government officials and ministers, telling the interior secretary he had formed a team that was useless, as it was filled with tainted individuals. "This woman has been running from pillar to post for three years, while your minister sits on TV shows and recounts his performance," he remarked, adding that in actuality, his performance was nil.

In response to the interior secretary's request for time to coordinate with foreign authorities, the chief justice demanded a realistic timeline, refusing to grant an extended period. The court emphasized the gravity of the situation and the necessity for timely action, warning against any further delays or excuses.

"This is a matter of two countries. I can't confirm in how many days Belgium will respond," the secretary said, and asked for two months to submit the report.

"You have cheated this court," the chief justice expressed anger, adding: "You used to say that the culprit has been arrested from abroad."