The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed that the missing Kashmiri poet, Ahmed Farhad Shah, is currently in the custody of the Dhirkot police in Azad Kashmir. The revelation emerged during the ongoing hearing of a petition filed for Shah’s recovery.
Court proceedings
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, who is presiding over the case, had previously ordered live streaming of all missing persons cases to ensure transparency. However, today’s session was not broadcast live. In the previous hearing, Justice Kayani had also summoned senior officials, including sector commanders of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI), the director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and the secretaries of defence, law, and interior.
Key attendees and testimonies
The hearing saw the presence of Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Munawar Iqbal Duggal, and the law minister. Notable figures such as senior journalist Hamid Mir and human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir were also in attendance, underscoring the high-profile nature of the case.
AGP Awan presented a police report to the court, confirming that Shah was indeed in police custody. He informed the court that Shah had been arrested near the Kohala bridge, and the jurisdiction for his detention was subsequently established.
Details of the FIR
A first information report (FIR) was filed against Ahmed Farhad Shah at the Dhirkot police station at approximately 8 AM, citing an incident that allegedly occurred an hour earlier. The FIR was registered under Section 186 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to obstructing a public servant in the discharge of public functions.
Judicial remarks
During the hearing, Justice Kayani remarked on the peculiar circumstances surrounding Shah’s arrest, noting the swift filing of the FIR shortly after his apprehension. The court expressed concern over the timing and nature of the charges, suggesting a need for further scrutiny.
Broader context and reactions
The case of Ahmed Farhad Shah has attracted widespread attention due to the sensitive nature of missing persons in Pakistan, particularly in regions like Kashmir. The involvement of high-ranking intelligence and law enforcement officials, as well as prominent public figures, highlights the broader implications for civil rights and law enforcement transparency in the country.
Statements from legal representatives
Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir emphasised the importance of upholding legal standards and ensuring that Shah’s detention was justified. She called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his arrest and the allegations against him.
Government and legal officials’ responses
AGP Awan and the law minister assured the court of their commitment to a transparent legal process. They reiterated the government’s stance on ensuring that all actions taken by law enforcement agencies are within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of individuals.