The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday extended the interim bail of Saqib Jajja, the main accused in the Greece migrant boat tragedy case, until February 12.
An LHC bench presided over by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum extended Jajja’s bail after a tense hearing that raised serious questions about accountability in human smuggling cases. During the hearing, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum expressed strong displeasure at the shifting stance of the complainants in the case.
The development comes weeks after the tragic Greece migrant boat incident in which dozens of Pakistani migrants were feared dead after an overcrowded vessel capsized in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to reach Europe.
During the hearing, the plaintiffs’ counsel told the court that the complainants no longer considered Saqib Jajja as the accused. In response, the federal government’s lawyer informed the court that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had initiated action based on the same complainants’ earlier application.
Justice Aalia Neelum questioned the inconsistency, remarking that attempts were being made to “save a tyrant” and asking whether human life held any value. She observed that institutions are often blamed for inaction, yet complainants withdraw or change their statements when legal proceedings begin.
At one point, plaintiff Jamil swore on the Holy Quran to assert his claim, prompting the chief justice to respond that invoking the holy book was a serious matter and not to be taken lightly in court.
US State Dept clarifies reports about deadline for travel restrictions
The court also inquired whether the children of the plaintiffs had survived the Greece accident. The government lawyer confirmed that the children of three complainants had survived. Justice Neelum remarked that they were fortunate and urged them not to shield those responsible, emphasizing that the truth must be presented before the court for justice to be served.
LHC orders extension in winter vacation at Lahore schools due to smog
The Greece boat tragedy had shocked Pakistan after reports emerged that several citizens, lured by human traffickers with promises of illegal passage to Europe, were among those onboard the ill-fated vessel. The incident once again highlighted the dangers of human smuggling networks operating across the region.
The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the role of alleged traffickers and facilitators involved in sending migrants on perilous sea routes.