Islamabad High Court mandates live streaming of missing persons cases

The Islamabad High Court, under the leadership of senior puisne judge Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, has taken a significant step towards enhancing public awareness and understanding of legal matters by mandating the live streaming of all missing persons cases. This decision comes in the wake of a hearing concerning the disappearance of Kashmiri poet Ahmed Farhad Shah, who was reportedly abducted on May 15.

During the hearing, Justice Kayani summoned top officials from intelligence agencies and government departments for an upcoming session scheduled for May 29. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has also called for Shah's immediate release, prompting the court to demand his recovery and the prosecution of those responsible for his disappearance.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the defense secretary's handling of the case, Justice Kayani emphasized the need for transparency from intelligence agencies in abduction cases. The court stressed the importance of all institutions operating within their legal boundaries and highlighted missing persons cases as a critical public concern.

To facilitate public education on such matters, the judge has appointed experts and judicial assistants to assist in navigating the complexities of the involved agencies. Additionally, the court has ordered the live streaming of all similar cases to further educate the public.

Furthermore, the court has directed the submission of a comprehensive report on missing persons cases and underscored the necessity of establishing a permanent procedure to effectively address such issues in the future.

The Islamabad High Court's decision to mandate the live streaming of missing persons cases marks a significant step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and public awareness in legal proceedings. By prioritizing the understanding of complex legal matters and emphasizing the importance of addressing critical public concerns, the court sets a precedent for proactive measures in handling such cases. This initiative not only serves to educate the public but also underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the protection of individuals' rights.