The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday strongly criticized the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), accusing it of effectively running the country instead of abiding by the law, during a hearing on the disappearance of poet Ahmed Farhad. Farhad’s wife had petitioned the IHC to locate her husband, who vanished a week ago. Lawyers Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha represented her in court, where they disclosed that the ISI claimed no knowledge of Farhad’s location. The case has provoked widespread outrage, prompting calls for the government to intervene and bring Farhad back, holding those responsible accountable.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, presiding over the case, expressed frustration with the ISI’s response, remarking that the agency was “running the country” rather than adhering to the law. He challenged the ISI’s denial, citing their own records of missing individuals, and demanded an investigation into the sector commander’s role. The court adjourned until the following day, summoning the defence secretary and interior secretary, and requesting a report based on the sector commander’s statement by that time.
Meanwhile, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar criticized the IHC’s comments, asserting that the court had overstepped its authority. He emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving missing persons cases through a special committee, ensuring justice for all affected parties.
