ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry refused to meet the UN delegation investigating the disappearances in Balochistan, saying that the issue can’t be discussed until it is in court, Tuesday.

Through a letter dated 10.9.2012 of this court, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was informed that as the cases of missing persons are pending before this Court, therefore, propriety demanded that the Chief Justice may not discuss the matter which is sub judice.

“Therefore, regrets were conveyed to the Ministry expressing the inability of the Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan to receive the UN Delegation.”

The UN team is due to meet PM Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, President Asif Ali Zardari and the families of missing persons.

During their 10-day mission, the team will tour all provincial headquarters, meeting political leaders, government officials, civil society organisations and human rights activists to gather information on cases of enforced disappearances in the country.

The visit of the UN working Group would provide an opportunity for highlighting the government’s efforts to address this important issue, besides improving relevant procedures.