Pakistan High Court Summons Intelligence Agencies Over Kashmiri Poet's Disappearance

In a significant development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has called upon both military and civilian intelligence agencies to address the case of Ahmad Farhad Shah, a Kashmiri poet and journalist who has been missing since May 15. Allegedly abducted from his home in Rawalpindi, Shah's disappearance has sparked concerns over his wellbeing and the circumstances surrounding his absence.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, the senior puisne judge presiding over the case, voiced his concerns regarding the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in locating the missing poet. With Shah's fate still unknown after 10 days, the judge's remarks underscored the urgency of the situation. "I don’t know what state the poor person must be in," Justice Kayani stated, highlighting the distressing nature of Shah's disappearance.

The court has decided to summon key figures for the next hearing on May 29, 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 defence and interior secretaries. This move indicates a comprehensive approach to uncovering the truth behind Shah's disappearance.

Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan and Islamabad Inspector General (IG) Ali Nasir Rizvi were present during the proceedings, along with Imaan Mazari-Hazir, counsel for the petitioner. In an effort to bolster the investigation, the court also appointed the secretary of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and senior journalist Hamid Mir as judicial assistants in this case.

Justice Kayani had previously summoned a report from the defence secretary regarding the alleged involvement of intelligence agencies in Shah's disappearance. This followed expressions of dissatisfaction with how authorities had handled the situation, urging intelligence agencies to dispel any notions of their involvement in such abductions.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has also demanded Shah's immediate release, emphasizing his role in bringing attention to the issue of missing persons through his poetry. This case not only highlights concerns over freedom of expression but also raises questions about accountability and transparency within state institutions.

As this case unfolds, it brings to light the broader issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan, drawing attention from both national and international observers. The involvement of high-ranking officials and prominent journalists as judicial assistants underscores the significance of Shah's case in the ongoing dialogue about human rights and freedom of speech in Pakistan.