ISLAMABAD-  Justice Amir Hani Muslim presided over a two member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) during the hearing of mass graves case today.

He stated that “protecting the life and property of the people is the responsibility of the government. But the people of Balochistan are protecting themselves on self-help basis. The responsibility of the government increases in the current situation of Balochistan because of the missing persons. “ The court also remarked that the Government does nothing and becomes alert when the court issues an order.

Deputy Commissioner Khuzdar presented a report and said that as many as 13 dead bodies have been recovered from the mass graves so far. Samples of these bodies have been obtained and sent to the Punjab Forensic Laboratory Lahore for a DNA test. Results of this test will be received within 3 to 4 months, he added.

Nasrullah Baloch, chairman of a social organization, told the court that more than 13 dead bodies were recovered but since they were not allowed to go to the location, they cannot verify the facts. These dead bodies included some of the missing persons as well, said Baloch.

The court remarked that there is a contradiction in the reports of the deputy commissioner Khuzdar and the media reports about the mass graves. Media is reporting 25 bodies while DC Khuzdar says only 13 dead bodies have been found. The Judicial commission has sought two months time for investigation. The SC adjourned the hearing. The case will be heard after two weeks again.