Islamabad High Court judge Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani on Thursday called for the introduction of a law that would impose the death penalty on those responsible for enforced disappearances.
Justice Kayani made the remarks during a hearing of a petition filed by poet Ahmed Farhad Shah’s wife, who went missing two days ago. Lawyers Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha represented the petitioner. SSP Operations Jameel Zafar was also present on the occasion.
During the hearing, the government lawyer stated that a special investigation team has been formed and efforts are ongoing for Shah’s recovery.
SSP Zafar said that he met Shah’s wife, saying that the poet was apparently taken from outside his home, but the vehicle’s number plates were unreadable due to darkness. He said that efforts to trace the vehicles are ongoing with the Federal Investigation Authority, adding that letters have been sent to all intelligence agencies in this regard.
The court expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the case and asked why those responsible for enforced disappearances are not brought to book.
Justice Kayani asked the SSP if the agencies responded to their letters. The SSP replied that no positive responses have been received.
