MASTUNG, BALOCHISTAN: Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar and his gunman were killed when unidentified armed men opened fire on the Karachi-Quetta highway in Mustung. Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Lashari and one other person were also injured in the attack. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Following the news of his death, the sister of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, advocate Nadia Baloch wrote a tribute to Judge Kakar, recalling her experience appearing before him multiple times in Mustung during hearings related to Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s cases, particularly her bail applications.
In her tribute, she described Judge Kakar as an exceptionally honest, principled, and dignified judge. She said he often spoke to her candidly about the legal nature of Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s cases, telling her that regardless of circumstances, his rulings would always reflect the supremacy of law and the highest standards of justice. She said his words were a source of hope during politically oppressive times, and that his rulings later proved them true, noting that he granted bail to Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Gulzadi Baloch in three cases, and acquitted Beebagr Baloch at the bail stage in an FIR. During his posting in Turbat, he similarly approved bail for Sibghatullah Shah in a related case, once again prioritizing the rule of law over pressure.
She recalled one hearing in Mustung where the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) presented an underage boy before the court on various charges. She said Judge Kakar asked the boy when he was arrested, and the boy replied, “Yesterday.” Judge Kakar then turned to the CTD official in charge and said, “Look at this child’s face, it looks as though he hasn’t seen sunlight in years. And you have frightened and threatened him so much that he is now agreeing with everything you say.” He then told the CTD personnel, “Fear God.”
She said that on hearing the news of his death, she felt that not only had a person been killed, but that justice itself had been attacked, as Judge Kakar believed in the rule of law, justice, constitutional rights, and the dignity of the people.
She expressed complete solidarity with Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar’s family, saying her prayers and condolences remain with them during this time of grief, and said the people of Balochistan will always remember him for his integrity, principled stance, and unwavering commitment to justice.
