Fact-Finding Committee
The federal government informed the Supreme Court that it has established a fact-finding committee to investigate the 2017 Faizabad sit-in. In a written response submitted on Friday, the government stated that the committee was formed to comply with the directions issued in the 2019 judgment on the case.
The committee consists of additional secretaries from the ministries of interior and defense, as well as a director from the Inter-Services Intelligence. The government requested time from the Supreme Court to submit its report, which should be finalized by December 1. The reply also mentioned that the committee’s first meeting took place on Thursday.
The terms of reference for the committee, as outlined in the government’s response, include collecting relevant documents, recording witness statements, and assessing the matter in accordance with relevant laws to determine the roles of those involved in managing and handling the sit-in.
Additionally, the government’s response indicated that it had already requested to withdraw its petition in the case. The Election Commission of Pakistan had also submitted a response stating that Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan was not found to be involved in any anti-state activities or had dubious funding. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa initiated the Faizabad sit-in case, which had been in limbo.
However, multiple petitioners, including the Ministry of Defense, the ECP, and the Intelligence Bureau, informed the court of their intention to withdraw their review petition.
Overall, the establishment of a fact-finding committee signals a proactive approach by the government to address the Faizabad sit-in issue. With the pending report and withdrawal requests from multiple petitioners, the case continues to evolve.
