Islamabad, March 25, 2025 – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has summoned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad in connection with the disappearance of two brothers of U.S.-based investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani. The directive was issued on Monday during a hearing on a petition filed by Noorani’s mother seeking their recovery.
Noorani, who writes for the investigative news platform FactFocus, recently published a high-profile report implicating a senior military official and his relatives. The disappearance of his brothers—Muhammad Saifur Rehman Haider and Muhammad Ali—occurred just days later, raising concerns of retaliation.
Allegations of Enforced Disappearance
According to the petition, the two men were “forcibly disappeared” from their Islamabad residence at 1:05 AM on Wednesday by unidentified personnel, allegedly linked to intelligence agencies. The petition argues that their abduction is a reprisal for Noorani’s journalism, aimed at silencing dissent.
The federal government, Ministry of Defence, Islamabad IGP, and the Noon Police Station’s Station House Officer (SHO) have been named as respondents in the case.
Judicial Scrutiny and Police Response
During Monday’s hearing, Justice Raja Inam Ameen Minhas expressed dissatisfaction with the police response and ordered the Islamabad IGP to appear before the court on March 26.
Advocate Imaan Hazir Mazari, representing Noorani’s family, criticized the authorities for failing to register a First Information Report (FIR) despite the passage of six days since the disappearance.
The SHO of Noon Police Station submitted a report, claiming that police were utilizing geofencing, call detail records, and CCTV footage to trace the missing individuals. However, Justice Minhas reprimanded the officer, stating, “You should have presented concrete findings, but you have not.”
Emotional Courtroom Scenes and Legal Arguments
During the proceedings, Noorani’s mother broke down in tears, pleading, “Will the high court be responsible if something happens to my children?”
Mazari further pressed the court, questioning how the police could claim to be conducting an investigation when no official case had been registered. In response, Justice Minhas summoned the IGP, stating that he would personally ensure an inquiry is conducted.
Mazari also alleged intelligence agencies were responsible for the abduction, linking the incident directly to Noorani’s recent reporting on high-ranking officials.
The judge, while acknowledging the gravity of the matter, stated, “I will not pass an order that cannot be implemented.”
Following Mazari’s request for an expedited hearing, the court adjourned the case until March 26, when the Islamabad IGP is expected to provide an explanation regarding the missing individuals.
Concerns Over Press Freedom and Retaliatory Actions
The case has raised alarm among press freedom advocates, with concerns that Noorani’s investigative journalism has led to reprisals against his family. The developments will be closely watched as the court continues its inquiry into the matter.
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