Manila: The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) remembers Masood Janjua, a businessman from Pakistan who was disappeared on 30th July 2005, along with his friend while they were travelling on a bus to Peshawar. Masood’s disappearance 15 years ago was the first recorded and documented case of disappearance in Pakistan that led to a movement against enforced disappearances in the country.
Masood was a politically conscious citizen who openly censured and denounced the policies of the Musharraf government. His family believes that his political opinions may have led to his disappearance.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan began hearing the case of disappearance of Masood Janjua and his friend in October 2006. Several witnesses testified seeing both men in detention. In fact, this was also the first case of disappearance of which the Supreme Court of Pakistan took suo motu cognizance.
After years of struggle, the Commission of Inquiry on Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) dismissed the case in 2014. In 2018, the case was dismissed by the Supreme Court in the absence of a representative. The Court cited the dismissal of the case by the CIEDP stating that not enough evidence about the disappearance had been found. The family of Masood Janjua, including his wife Amina Masood, believe that they have been denied justice.
The Defence of Human Rights (DHR), an organization founded by Amina Masood, has been engaged in a relentless campaign to find the truth about Masood Janjua’s since his disappearance fifteen years ago. Despite evidence of Masood being detained, the government has made no effort to surface him nor disclose information on his whereabouts.
AFAD stands in solidarity with DHR and demands truth and justice for Masood Janjua and his friend as well as all those who have been disappeared in Pakistan over the years.
Khurram Parvez
Chairperson
Nilda L. Sevilla
Secretary-General