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Islamabad High Court Summons Defense and Interior Secretaries Over Poet's Disappearance
Islamabad High Court demands answers from Defense and Interior Secretaries over the disappearance of poet Ahmed Farhad. Justice must prevail.
ND
by News Desk
2024-05-20
Islamabad High Court Summons Defense and Interior Secretaries Over Poet's Disappearance

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has summoned the Secretaries of Defense and Interior regarding the disappearance of poet Ahmed Farhad. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, presiding over the case, expressed serious concerns about the nature of Farhad’s disappearance, labeling it a potential enforced disappearance.

 

During the hearing, Farhad's lawyer, Iman Mazari, argued that Farhad’s wife, Urooj Zainab, received a WhatsApp call instructing her to withdraw her court application and falsely state that Farhad had left of his own volition. The caller promised Farhad’s return if these conditions were met, indicating that this was not a case of abduction for ransom but an enforced disappearance.

 

Justice Kayani strongly condemned the situation, stating, "A man has been kidnapped and kept, remove the label of abductor from him." He warned that if the Secretary of Defense did not appear in person, an arrest warrant would be issued.

 

During the session, the court granted the authorities time until 3 o'clock. When the hearing resumed, a representative from the Ministry of Defense appeared, denying that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was holding Farhad. The representative asserted that the ISI was wrongly accused.

 

Justice Kayani responded sharply, stating that the issue had outgrown the jurisdiction of both ISI and Military Intelligence (MI), highlighting their failure in resolving the matter. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting, "When I give judgment, this case will be different from kidnapping; this case is not so simple and easy. An example has to be set in this case."

 

Justice Kayani questioned the Defense Ministry's lawyer, "Have you ever been abducted? Only those who have been abducted know what happens."

 

The court adjourned further proceedings until tomorrow, underscoring the urgency and importance of the case.
Tagged:

IHC

HumanRights

EnforcedDisappearance

AhmedFarhad

JusticeForFarhad

PakistanLegalSystem
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