The missing Poet Ahmad Farhad is in AJK Police Custody

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Wednesday disclosed the arrest of renowned poet and journalist Ahmad Farhad, who had been reported missing from Islamabad 15 days ago, sparking widespread concern and a legal petition for his recovery.

The revelation came during a hearing at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), presided over by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, who had taken up the case of Farhad’s mysterious disappearance. In the previous hearing, the Islamabad sector commander and other officials were summoned to provide updates on the matter.

Representing Farhad’s wife, lawyer Imaan Mazari appeared in court, while the Attorney General, Mansoor Usman Awan, represented the federal government. During the proceedings, Awan informed the court that Ahmad Farhad, a celebrated figure in the literary circles of Pakistan, is under arrest and in the custody of the Azad Kashmir police.

Awan further presented a report from the Dheer Court police station in Azad Kashmir to substantiate the government’s claim regarding Farhad’s arrest.

Ahmad Farhad, widely acclaimed for his poetic prowess and journalistic endeavors, had gone missing from the federal capital Islamabad 15 days prior, prompting his wife, Urooj Zainab, to file a petition in the Islamabad High Court seeking his recovery.

Farhad’s disappearance had sparked widespread concern and outrage among literary circles, human rights organizations, and free speech advocates, who demanded transparency and a swift resolution to the matter.

Known for his thought-provoking poetry and fearless commentary on socio-political issues, Farhad had garnered a significant following and respect for his literary contributions. His sudden disappearance raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his arrest and the charges leveled against him, which remain undisclosed.

As the legal proceedings continue, the literary community and civil society organizations are closely monitoring the case, calling for a fair and transparent investigation into Farhad’s arrest and a prompt resolution in accordance with the principles of justice and human rights.