Session Judge Abducted in DI Khan: CM Orders Swift Rescue Operation

On Friday, April 27, 2024, Session Judge Shakirullah Marwat was abducted by unknown assailants while traveling from Tank to Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The armed men forcibly took the judge at gunpoint and later set his vehicle ablaze, though his security guard and driver were left unharmed at the scene.

Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, took notice of the incident and directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take immediate action to ensure the safe recovery of the judge. Gandapur condemned the abduction, calling it "highly condemnable and regrettable." He assured that all available resources would be utilized for Judge Marwat's swift recovery and vowed that the "elements involved in this incident will not escape the clutches of the law."

The police have launched a search operation to locate and recover the abducted judge. However, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Suspicion has fallen on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whose leadership is said to be based in neighboring Afghanistan, as the incident coincides with a resurgence of militant violence in the region.

Why this matters: The abduction of a high-ranking judicial official highlights the significant security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and raises concerns about the safety of judiciary personnel in Pakistan. The incident emphasizes the urgent need for heightened efforts to address lawlessness and ensure the protection of individuals serving within the judiciary.

PPP Leader's Criticism: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Faisal Karim Kundi expressed deep concern over the abduction and criticized the provincial government's handling of law and order issues. "It is a matter of great sorrow that the provincial government is not taking the issue of peace seriously," Kundi stated, questioning why the government has failed to ensure the safety of citizens, including a session judge.

Judicial Crisis: The abduction of Session Judge Shakirullah Marwat has alarmed the legal community and authorities in Pakistan. The provincial government and law enforcement agencies are facing increased pressure to take decisive action against those responsible and secure the safe release of the abducted judge. As the search operation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges faced by members of the judiciary in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Session Judge Shakirullah Marwat abducted by armed men in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
• Chief Minister condemns abduction, directs police to ensure judge's safe recovery.
• Suspicion falls on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) due to resurgence of militant violence.
• Abduction highlights security challenges and need to protect judiciary personnel.
• Opposition criticizes provincial government's handling of law and order issues.