IHC warns of summoning PM, cabinet members in poet Ahmad Farhad case

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani  on Monday warned of summoning Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and cabinet members in case related to ‘abduction’ of famous Kashmiri poet and journalist Ahmed Farhad Shah.

The court also sought report based on the statement of the sector commander.

The reports suggested that Poet Ahmed Farhad was abducted from his residence last week.

The human rights activist and members of the civil society strongly condemned abduction of the poet and demanded his immediate recovery and release.

The wife of the poet had moved a plea to the IHC on May 15 and asked the court to order the authorities concerned to recover her husband and produce him before the court. She had also asked the court to investigate and prosecute those responsible for his disappearance.

During the proceedings, Advocates Imaan Zainab Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha represented Farhad's wife  while SSP Zafar, Assistant Attorney General Usman Rasool Ghuman and other officials were also present from the state.

A Ministry of Defence representative informed the court that Shah was not in the custody of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

On it, Justice Kayani expressed dissatisfaction with the progress, observing that, “Someone is lying, but the facts are clear,”.

The judge directed the Secretary of Defense to submit a report tomorrow and summoned him and the Secretary of Interior to appear in person.

Justice Kayani also indicated the possibility of summoning Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and cabinet members later, questioning whether spy agencies would supersede the law.

Besides it, an additional attorney general informed the court that a first information report (FIR) had been filed and police investigations were underway.

Justice Kayani emphasized that filing an FIR was the duty of the police, not a favor.

The court adjourned the hearing on Ahmad Farhad's recovery case until tomorrow.

Earlier in the proceedings, Justice Kayani asked about Farhad's alleged involvement in terrorism or kidnapping for ransom, to which the SSP Operations replied in negative. The judge observed that there is a need for accountability and stressed upon swift action in resolving the case without tarnishing institutional credibility.