ISLAMABAD, MAY 20 /DNA/ – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed an investigating officer to submit the statement of a sector commander regarding the disappearance of Kashmiri poet and journalist Ahmed Farhad Shah. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani expressed frustration over the authorities’ failure to find Shah, questioning whether spy agencies or the law would govern the country.
Shah was reportedly abducted from his home last week. His wife appealed to the IHC on May 15 for his recovery and to hold those responsible accountable.
During today’s hearing, a Ministry of Defence representative stated that Shah was not in the custody of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and denied their involvement. Justice Kayani remarked that the issue now extended beyond the ISI and Military Intelligence (MI), highlighting their failure.
The judge ordered the defence secretary to submit a written report and summoned both the defence and interior secretaries. He indicated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other cabinet members might also be summoned.
Justice Kayani criticized the agencies for sending conflicting messages to Shah’s family and failing to recover him. He questioned the authority of the sector commander and stressed that the country could function without overstepping constitutional limits.
The court instructed the investigation officer to record the sector commander’s statement and submit it by Tuesday. Justice Kayani also stated he would dismiss the petition if Shah was found to be a terrorist or implicated in any crime.
An additional attorney general informed the court that an FIR had been filed and the police were investigating. Justice Kayani emphasized that filing an FIR was a duty, not a favor, and called for a law imposing severe penalties for enforced disappearances.
The court will continue to address this case, seeking further assistance in the investigation.
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