IHC Orders For Live Broadcasting Of Missing Persons’ Cases

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday ordered the live broadcasting of its proceedings in all missing persons’ cases, including the abduction of poet Ahmed Farhad.

Justice Mohsin Akhter Kayani, who presided over the case, issued an eight-page order regarding the hearing and summoned high-ranking government officials to appear on May 29.

The order stated that a report should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office if the abductee is recovered before the next hearing date.

The Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) informed the court that the missing poet had not been recovered so far and that they were in contact with law enforcement agencies regarding his recovery. The AGP requested more time to locate the missing person.

The court noted that the petitioner’s lawyer stated the AGP had assured the recovery of the poet in the last hearing and expressed concerns over threats to his client’s life.

The order further mentioned that, according to the police, geofencing of the victim had been completed, and they expected to locate the relevant area soon.

Senior journalist Hamid Mir informed the court about the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) notification on the coverage of court proceedings. The AGP clarified that the court could order media coverage in any case it deemed appropriate.

Due to the significance of the case, the court ordered media coverage. The court recognized the issue of missing persons as a matter of public interest and granted permission for live broadcasting.

Journalist Hamid Mir and the Secretary of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) were appointed as amici curiae in the case. The Minister of Law and Justice and the Secretary were also designated to provide judicial assistance on key questions.

The further hearing of the case was adjourned until May 29.