HRCP deplores Gilgit authorities’ inaction in recovering abducted minor girl

GILGIT: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced severe concern over the alleged abduction and forced marriage of Falak Noor, an underage girl from Sultanabad, Gilgit.

Highlighting the apparent inertia of local authorities in addressing the grievance, the HRCP underscored the urgency of Noor’s recovery and the need for accountability among those involved in the matter.

According to HRCP, the Danyore police’s hesitation to apprehend the accused and ensure Noor’s return is alarming.

The commission has also called for a thorough investigation into the roles of individuals who facilitated the marriage — including those who officiated the ceremony, issued a medical certificate falsely certifying Noor’s age, and obtained a concession statement from her. The HRCP further insisted on a critical review and strict enforcement of existing child protection frameworks aimed at preventing and addressing such crimes, stressing the necessity for robust mechanisms to safeguard children from similar offenses.

Court summons SSP, SHO

Meanwhile, the Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltistan has summoned the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gilgit and Station House Officer Danyore in the case. Hearing a petition filed by a legal team representing Noor’s father, Chief Judge Ali Baig ordered them to appear before the court on Wednesday.

The petition, directed against 10 respondents — including five alleged abductors and five officials of the Gilgit-Baltistan police — demands the court’s intervention to secure the minor’s recovery and her presentation before the court.

Police version

Separately, police issued a press release detailing the ongoing investigation into the alleged abduction and forced marriage of Falak Noor, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the situation. According to the press release, on January 21, 2024, a case was registered at the Danyore Police Station against the accused, Fareed, approximately 17 years old, from Gilood, Sultanabad, on the complaint of Sakhi Ahmed Jan, for the abduction of Falak Noor, who is roughly 13 years old and a neighbor of the accused.

The police launched an immediate investigation, forming a team led by an investigative officer that ventured into Kohistan, Oghi, and Mansehra areas in search of the victim and the accused. Despite extensive efforts and raids in various locations, including the accused’s home and five other houses in Sultanabad, the police were unable to recover the abductee or arrest the main accused, Fareed. During the investigation, Azam Khan (the accused’s father) was arrested and transferred to judicial custody, while another suspect, Imtiaz alias Hakoomat, managed to secure bail before arrest (BBA) from the sessions court, which the Chief Court later canceled.

The case took a turn on March 20, 2024, when Falak Noor released a video on social media claiming she had not been abducted but had married Fareed of her own free will, stating her age to be 16. Subsequently, police said, her statement was recorded under section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code at the Judicial Magistrate’s court in Havelian, accompanied by a medical certificate from a gynecologist certifying her age, and the marriage certificate dated January 23, 2024, was presented in court.

In light of these developments, the Peshawar High Court’s Abbottabad bench granted interim bail to Fareed until April 6, 2024, with instructions for him to appear in the Gilgit Sessions Court.

Meanwhile, police said, the Chief Court approved Imtiaz alias Hakoomat’s interim bail until April 19, 2024. The police have affirmed that the case is still under investigation, and further action will be taken following the court orders, with hearings for the interim bail of the accused scheduled for April 6, 2024.