ISLAMABAD – Islamabad High Court senior judge summoned officials of spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence, Military Intelligence, Intelligence Bureau, and Federal Minister for Law in case of the recovery of missing Kashmiri poet Ahmed Farhad Shah.
Ahmed Farhad Shah, a writer and poet, disappeared from his residence in capital city Islamabad on May 14, prompting court stern response.
In the detailed written order, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani demanded appearance of Federal Law Minister, Sector Commander of ISI, the Military Intelligence (MI) Director, the Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the secretaries of defence and interior.
The court further directed live coverage of all missing persons cases, including the case of missing poet Ahmed Farhad. The court ordered that a written report be submitted to the Registrar Office if the missing person is found before the next hearing.
Despite restrictions from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Justice Kayani permitted electronic media to report on Ahmed Farhad’s case. Earlier, judge banned the entry of intelligence agencies’ personnel into the courtroom.
Law Minister described IHC’s comments in the abduction case as ‘shocking.’ The court summoned the Defense and Interior Secretaries and criticized the intelligence agencies regarding the poet’s abduction.
Journalist Hamid Mir informed the court about PEMRA’s restrictions on media coverage. The Attorney General clarified that the court could permit reporting on any case it found appropriate.
The court emphasized the case’s importance and public concern, instructing the investigation officer to record the statement of the ISI Sector Commander under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The Attorney General informed the court that Ahmed Farhad has not yet been found and that efforts with intelligence agencies for his recovery are ongoing, requesting more time. The petitioner’s lawyer argued that the Attorney General had previously assured the court of the poet’s recovery and criticized state institutions for failing to locate him, stating that his life is at greater risk. The police reported that geo-fencing measures have been implemented and their efforts will continue.
AGP assures court Kashmiri poet to be recovered within four days
