Justice Kayani Mandates Live Streaming For Missing Persons Cases

Islamabad High Court (IHC) senior puisne judge, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, ordered live streaming of all missing persons cases on Friday to enhance public awareness and understanding of important legal issues.

This directive was issued during a hearing regarding the recovery of missing Kashmiri poet Ahmed Farhad Shah. Justice Kayani summoned sector commanders from ISI and MI, the director of IB, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and the defense, law, and interior secretaries for the next session on May 29. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan had demanded Shah’s immediate release, alleging he was abducted from his home on May 15.

Read more: Justice Akhtar Sworn in As Acting Chief Justice

Shah’s wife filed a petition for his recovery and the prosecution of those responsible. On May 16, Justice Kayani requested a report from the defense secretary on intelligence agencies’ alleged involvement. Dissatisfied with the defense secretary’s initial response, the judge demanded an explanation by 3 PM the same day, later learning that Shah was not in ISI custody. The defense and interior secretaries were summoned for the next day.

Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan, citing the defense secretary’s illness, was tasked with recovering Shah within four days. During the latest hearing, AGP Awan and Islamabad IG Ali Nasir Rizvi were questioned about the duties of ISI and MI. The court stressed the importance of institutions working within constitutional limits and criticized the lack of accountability legislation. Justice Kayani appointed experts and judicial assistants, including PFUJ secretary and journalist Hamid Mir, to assist in the case.