ISLAMABAD: The Islam­abad High Court (IHC) on Monday expressed dissatisfaction over the police investigation into the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Noorani’s two brothers and summoned the inspector general (IG) of Islamabad in his personal capacity to expedite the case.

The case was heard by Justice Inam Amin Minhas and advocate Imaan Mazari appeared alongside the journalist’s mother, who has filed the petition, and his sister.

As the hearing proceeded, the petitioner became emotional, asking the judge, “If anything happens to my children, will the high court be responsible?”

The station house officer concerned presented a report containing details of the investigation, including geofencing, Call Data Record analysis, and surveillance of the footage review.

Judge dissatisfied with police report in matter involving journalist’s brothers

However, Justice Minhas criticised the report as it lacked conclusive findings. “You were supposed to present your findings, but you did not,” he remarked.

The police lawyer said they had not received a formal request to register a case, to which Justice Minhas responded that legal procedures should not obstruct an effective investigation.

Advocate Mazari while criticising the delay in the conclusive findings questioned how an investigation could proceed if an official case had not been registered. “If they have not registered the case for five days, how are they conducting the investigation?” she argued.

Justice Minhas took serious note of the delay and summoned the IG Islamabad to personally oversee the investigation. He also noted that it had been six days since the disappearance occurred and yet no substantial progress had been made.

As emotions ran high, the journalist’s mother took to the rostrum, visibly distressed. Justice Minhas, while acknowledging her concerns, stated that he could only act within his judicial authority.

Ms Mazari said intelligence agencies were involved, claiming that Mr Noorani’s brothers were taken away due to his critical reporting.

The court, however, refrained from making any direct remarks on the accusation.

The court refused the petitioner’s request for an urgent hearing and adjourned the case to March 26.

Justice Minhas maintained that he would only issue orders that could be effectively enforced.

Ahmed Noorani, who currently lives in the United States, runs the FactFocus website, which remains inaccessible n Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2025