ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued notice to the defence secretary on a petition seeking recovery of poet Ahmed Farhad Shah.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, while hearing the petition, directed the defence secretary to depute a responsible officer for court`s assistance and submit a report on the matter by May 19.

Justice Kayani observed that there is a dire need for a law that entails death penalty for those behind enforced disappearances.

During the hearing, the state`s counsel informed the court that a special investigation team has been formed and efforts are ongoing for Mr Shah`s recovery.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Malik Jameel Zafar told the court that he visited the wife of the missing poet and learnt that he was apparently abducted from outside his home, but the vehicle`s number plates were unreadable due to darkness.

Justice Kayani said everyone, including he himself, is accountable, warning that the court would issue summons for the prime minister and officials of state agencies if required.

The hearing was adjourned till Monday (May 20).-Malik Asad