IHC seeks replies over delay in compensation for Kachehri bombing victims

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday took up a petition over the non-payment of compensation to families affected by the Kachehri suicide bombing and sought responses from key federal and local authorities.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued notices to the interior secretary and other respondents during the hearing. The court also asked Advocate General Islamabad Naveed Hayat Malik and the deputy attorney general to work on resolving the matter. The hearing was later adjourned until June 23.

The petition was filed by Advocate Asif Gujar, while Barrister Tasadduq Hanif represented the petitioner before the court. Counsel for the petitioner argued that, under Section 13 of the Lawyers Protection Act, the families of those killed in the attack were entitled to a compensation package equivalent to Grade 18 benefits. He told the court that more than a year had passed since the Kachehri incident, but the affected families had still not been paid.

Appearing on the court’s direction, Advocate General Islamabad Naveed Hayat Malik told the bench he would personally examine the issue and try to ensure an early resolution, while also seeking more time. The court then issued notices to the federal government, the interior secretary, the chief commissioner and the deputy commissioner Islamabad, asking them to submit their replies in the case.