Islamabad High Court Challenges Spy Agencies Over Missing Kashmiri Poet
Islamabad, Pakistan – In a dramatic session at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani expressed frustration over the authorities’ failure to recover missing Kashmiri poet and journalist Ahmed Farhad Shah. Shah was allegedly abducted from his home last week, prompting his wife to seek the court’s intervention for his recovery.
Justice Kayani openly questioned whether Pakistan’s spy agencies or the rule of law would prevail in the country. A Ministry of Defence representative informed the court that Shah was not in the custody of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), refuting allegations of their involvement.
The judge, unimpressed by the defence, stated, “Now the matter has gone beyond the jurisdiction of the ISI and the Military Intelligence (MI).
They are telling about their failure.” Justice Kayani directed the defence secretary to submit a written report to the high court and ordered both the defence and interior secretaries to appear in court.
“This matter is not so simple and easy. An example has to be set in this case,” Justice Kayani emphasized. He also hinted at summoning Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and cabinet members if necessary.
The court was informed by an additional attorney general that an FIR had been lodged and police investigations were ongoing. However, Justice Kayani was critical of the police’s efforts, questioning the additional attorney general about the adequacy of simply lodging an FIR.
Justice Kayani further directed the investigation officer to record the sector commander’s statement and present it to the court on Tuesday. He suggested that if the missing poet were a terrorist or involved in any criminal case, the petition would be dismissed.
Media reports highlighted Justice Kayani’s call for stricter laws against enforced disappearances, indicating a need for severe penalties for those responsible.
The IHC’s strong stance underscores the tension between judicial authority and intelligence agencies in Pakistan, as the search for Ahmed Farhad Shah continues.