IHC Declares Kashmiri Poet Ahmed Farhad a Missing Person

IHC Declares Kashmiri Poet Ahmed Farhad a Missing Person/Reytersv

VoM News Desk | June 11, 2024 | 11:04 PM IST | Courts & Law, Pakistan News | Follow on Google News

IHC Declares Kashmiri Poet Ahmed Farhad a Missing Person

IHC Declares Kashmiri Poet Ahmed Farhad a Missing Person

Key Highlights:

1. Islamabad High Court (IHC) declares Ahmed Farhad an enforced disappearance case.
2. Farhad was allegedly abducted from his home on May 15.
3. IHC urges larger bench formation to address multiple enforced disappearance cases.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has declared Kashmiri poet Ahmed Farhad a case of “enforced disappearance or missing person” until he safely returns home, as reported by Pakistan-based Dawn. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani issued the written order on Monday, stating, “Syed Farhad Ali Shah is declared an enforced disappearance/missing person until he reaches his home safely.”

Justice Kayani emphasized that once Farhad returns, the investigation officer from Islamabad’s Lohi Bher police station must record his statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) before a judicial magistrate and proceed with the investigation accordingly.

Farhad was allegedly abducted from his home on May 15. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has called for his immediate release. Following a petition by Farhad’s wife, the court was urged to produce Farhad and take action against those responsible for his disappearance.

Justice Kayani also directed that all cases of enforced disappearance pending before the IHC be presented to IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq for the formation of a larger bench to address this significant public interest matter.

Farhad’s case resurfaced on May 29 when the government informed the court that he was in the custody of the Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) police, charged with obstructing public servants’ duties. An anti-terrorism court in PoJK previously rejected Farhad’s bail plea.

Ahmed Farhad, 38, is a well-known poet and journalist from the Bagh district of PoJK. He is recognized for his resistance poetry against Pakistani oppression. His abduction and court appearances symbolize the broader challenges faced by journalists and activists in Pakistan-occupied regions, where political tensions and human rights concerns are prevalent.

Pakistan’s intelligence agencies have faced accusations of involvement in forced disappearances and suppression of dissenting voices in occupied regions. These actions are part of a broader strategy to maintain control and silence opposition in these territories.

VoM News Desk

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