IHC wraps up missing poet’s recovery case

ISLAMABAD: Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) conducted a hearing regarding the recovery of Ahmed Farhad.

Justice Kayani inquired about Ahmed Farhad’s whereabouts before his arrest. The Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal stated that if the abductee is recovered, the plea of arbitrary detention should be dismissed. He also mentioned that instructions should be issued to identify the kidnappers, which will be revealed through investigation.

AJ&K court rejects poet Ahmed Farhad’s bail petition

The Additional Attorney General Duggal informed the court that the ‘kidnapped’ individual is in judicial custody and that Ahmed Farhad’s statement under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code has been recorded.

The investigating officer visited Kashmir and recorded Ahmed Farhad’s statement, presenting it to the court. Justice Kayani noted that it was written that Farhad is mentally and physically incapable of giving a statement. It was also written that Farhad would either appear himself or provide a statement through a lawyer, the court noted.

Justice Kayani ordered that upon Farhad’s return, his statement under Section 164 should be recorded before the investigating magistrate of Lohi Bhair police station. He stated his intention to write to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to constitute a larger bench for cases involving missing persons, ensuring that multiple judges can review the positions taken. Justice Kayani also directed that officers involved in the Criminal Administration Committee should appear before the court.

Emphasising the importance of law enforcement, Justice Kayani said he would send the matter to the committee to determine how to enforce the law in Islamabad. He reminded all parties that the law must be respected, stating that no one, including judges, is above the law.

Missing poet Ahmed Farhad located by Kashmir police

The court acknowledged the impact of the case on Farhad’s family, recognising it as part of a broader pattern of issues. Furthermore, the court said that it would ban the in-camera proceedings and reporting on matters of national security.

The IHC disposed of Ahmed Farhad’s recovery petition but noted that if necessary, the petitioner could approach the court again. Justice Kayani concluded by asserting his confidence in ensuring the execution of his orders.