The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances resolved 113 cases in September, but more than 1,650 investigations remain active, leaving numerous families across the nation searching for their missing loved ones, according to a report released on Friday.

The latest statistical data reveals that since its inception in March 2011, the commission has registered a total of 10,636 cases. To date, 8,986 of these matters have been concluded, marking a disposal rate of 84.48 percent. However, 1,650 instances of alleged disappearances are still under review.

In a significant development for the province of Balochistan, the commission”s regional office in Quetta reported that 14 disappeared individuals returned to their homes during the month of September.

Under the recent leadership of its new Chairman, Justice (Retd) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah, the commission has accelerated its efforts, settling 289 cases between July and September at an average of 96 resolutions per month.

The commission has also established a dedicated welfare cell to provide relief to the families of missing persons. This new body assists with critical administrative matters, such as issuing Form B for children of the disappeared and facilitating pension grants for families of government servants who have gone missing.

Furthermore, high-level directives have been issued to federal and provincial governments, urging them to furnish assistance to these families in areas including education and healthcare. A comprehensive plan is also being formulated with various departments to ensure continued support for families, even in cases not yet formally declared as “enforced disappearance” by the commission.