Islamabad – April 8, 2025: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday expressed strong displeasure over the slow progress made by the police in locating the missing brothers of investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani, who have been missing since March 19.
The court’s anger was sparked after police officials informed that despite ongoing efforts, they had only managed to trace a “hint” of the possible location of the two men — Saifur Rehman Haider, 38, and Muhammad Ali, 30. Dissatisfied with the investigation’s pace and the vague findings, the court adjourned the hearing, stating that it would issue a formal order after receiving comprehensive reports from both the Ministry of Defence and the Inspector General of Islamabad Police.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani questioned the seriousness of law enforcement agencies in handling the case, pointing out that such delays only contribute to growing concerns about enforced disappearances in the country.
Who Are the Missing Individuals?
Saifur Rehman and Muhammad Ali are younger brothers of Ahmad Noorani, a prominent investigative journalist known for reporting on sensitive political and financial matters. The duo went missing under mysterious circumstances nearly three weeks ago, sparking alarm within journalistic circles and human rights organizations.
Who Is Ahmad Noorani?
Ahmad Noorani rose to prominence for his investigative reporting, particularly for exposing powerful institutions and political figures. He previously worked with The News and later joined Fact Focus, a platform he co-founded to publish independent investigative journalism.
Noorani’s work has often placed him at odds with state institutions. In 2021, he published a report detailing alleged wealth accumulation by a senior judge’s family, which stirred major controversy. His reporting has earned both praise for courage and criticism for targeting state pillars.
Allegations on Ahmad Noorani
Noorani has faced numerous allegations over the years, primarily revolving around accusations of spreading disinformation, working on foreign agendas, or tarnishing the image of state institutions. However, no concrete evidence has been presented publicly to substantiate these claims.
Due to repeated threats and security concerns, Noorani left Pakistan and is currently residing abroad, where he continues to publish reports on governance, corruption, and accountability.
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A Growing Concern
The mysterious disappearance of his brothers has raised serious questions about the safety of journalists and their families in Pakistan. Human rights groups have condemned the incident, urging the authorities to expedite efforts for their safe recovery and ensure justice.
As the IHC awaits detailed submissions from the defense ministry and Islamabad police, the pressure mounts on state institutions to act transparently and decisively in resolving this troubling case.
