ISLAMABAD: The case of the missing Kashmiri poet, Ahmad Farhad, will conclude only when he appears in court, stated Islamabad High Court’s Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani on Friday. Justice Kayani dismissed the additional attorney general’s (AAG) request to dispose of the habeas corpus petition concerning Farhad’s recovery.
The petition was filed by Urooj Zainab, Farhad’s wife, with lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha representing her in court. During the hearing, AAG Munir Iqbal Duggal informed the court that Farhad had cases registered against him in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and was on physical remand until June 2.
Duggal urged the court to dismiss the petition since the poet had met his family members earlier this week, arranged by the Muzaffarabad police. Farhad is currently in police custody, facing charges of attempted murder and anti-terrorism.
However, lawyer Mazari argued that the petition demanded not only Farhad’s return but also action against those responsible for his enforced disappearance. Justice Kayani emphasized that the case would only end when Farhad appeared in court.
During the proceedings, AAG Duggal noted that Kashmir operates under its own constitution and courts, treating Pakistani court decisions as foreign rulings. Mazari informed the court that despite the family’s visit to Dhirkot Police Station, they could not locate Farhad. The police had informed them that Farhad was transferred to Muzaffarabad under the Anti-Terrorism Act and was with the SHO, not in the police station.
Justice Kayani inquired about the number of FIRs against Farhad, to which the AAG responded with knowledge of two complaints. The judge also questioned Farhad’s whereabouts before his arrest on May 29, but the prosecutor general stated that this matter would be addressed by the court in Kashmir.
Justice Kayani stressed the importance of working within the law’s framework. Mazari highlighted the need to scrutinize the misuse of laws and procedures. Justice Kayani assured that they would indeed look into any misuse of the law.
The court adjourned the hearing till June 7, rejecting the request to dispose of the habeas corpus petition. The case remains active until Farhad appears in court.
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