Poet Ahmed Farhad's Bail Rejected Amid Anti-Government Protests in PoK

An anti-terrorism court in Muzaffarabad, PoK, denied bail to poet Ahmed Farhad, who went missing during recent anti-government protests. His wife, Urooj Zainab, plans to challenge the decision. Farhad, allegedly abducted from his home, was later found in police custody. The IHC will resume the hearing on June 7.

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Muzaffarabad city has rejected the bail petition of poet Ahmed Farhad, who had gone missing during recent anti-government protests in the region.

The development follows Monday’s reserved verdict after hearing arguments from both sides. Farhad's wife, Urooj Zainab, announced plans to challenge the decision, according to Geo News.

Farhad, known for his forthright prose, vanished during protests and was allegedly removed from his home on May 14, stated Zainab. She turned to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to seek her husband's recovery and accountability for those responsible for his disappearance.

After remaining missing for 15 days, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan disclosed on May 29 that Farhad had been arrested and was in police custody in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, following directions from the IHC.

Farhad's family subsequently met him at the Kahori police station outside Muzaffarabad. IHC Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani refused to close the recovery case until Farhad appears before the court, emphasizing that the case conclusion would hinge on Farhad's court appearance.

Farhad’s lawyer, Iman Mazari, noted that the poet's family was initially directed to Dhirkot Police Station but later informed that he had been moved to Muzaffarabad for investigation.

The anti-terrorism court then ordered a medical examination of Farhad following concerns raised by his family about potential poisoning. The IHC will continue the case hearing on June 7.