The Pakistani government made a rare admission before the Islamabad High Court, acknowledging that Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) is a foreign territory and that Pakistan does not hold jurisdiction over it. This revelation surfaced during the proceedings of the kidnapping case of Kashmiri poet and journalist Ahmed Farhad Shah, which took place on Friday (May 31).Ahmed Farhad Shah was reportedly abducted from his residence in Rawalpindi by Pakistans intelligence agencies on May 15. In response to a petition by Shahs wife, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Islamabad High Court requested Shahs presence in court.During the hearing, Pakistans Additional Attorney General informed Justice Kayani that Ahmed Farhad Shah was in police custody in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), which prevented his physical appearance in the Islamabad High Court. The Additional Attorney General emphasised that Kashmir is a foreign territory with its own constitution and legal system, treating judgements from Pakistani courts in POK as those of foreign courts.Justice Kayani questioned the assertion by pointing out the presence of Pakistani military and Rangers in POK, challenging the characterization of POK as a foreign territory. This exchange occurred during the hearing, where Justice Kayani also criticised Pakistans intelligence agencies for their ongoing practice of forced abductions.It was revealed in court that Ahmed Farhad Shah was being detained by Dhirkot police in POK, facing charges in two separate cases. His wife had filed a petition concerning his kidnapping by Pakistans intelligence agencies from their residence.The Indian Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, reiterated Indias stance on POK as an integral part of India, emphasising that it has always belonged to India and will continue to do so. Ahmed Farhad Shah, apart from being a poet and journalist, is an activist advocating for the rights of the people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He is known for his vocal criticism of the establishment, particularly the army, and has been involved in various anti-government protests in POK.
