Poet Ahmed Farhad secures post-arrest bail

Ahmed Farhad's case has drawn significant attention due to his disappearance during protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Here's a summary of the key developments:

1. **Initial Disappearance and Legal Action**:
   - Ahmed Farhad went missing during recent protests in AJK.
   - On May 15, his wife filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking his recovery and urging the court to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
   - The Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) informed the IHC on May 29 that Ahmed Farhad had been arrested and was in custody of the AJK police, submitting a report from Dher Kot police station.

2. **Legal Proceedings and Bail Grant**:
   - On June 10, the IHC declared Ahmed Farhad's arrest as unlawful, concluding that he had been subjected to forced disappearance and criticizing the failure of institutions to recover him.
   - The court granted bail to Ahmed Farhad against a surety bond of Rs200,000.
   - It directed Ahmed Farhad to record his statement before the Lohi Bher magistrate upon his return home.

3. **Judicial Directions**:
   - The IHC's written decision also instructed the Registrar to consolidate all cases related to forced disappearances and submit them to the Chief Justice of the High Court.
   - This directive aims to address broader issues surrounding forced disappearances in Pakistan.

Ahmed Farhad's case highlights the serious concerns regarding forced disappearances and the role of institutions in ensuring the protection of individuals' rights and freedoms. The IHC's decision underscores the judiciary's role in upholding justice and accountability in such cases, ensuring that legal standards are met and victims are afforded due process.