ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday dismissed appeals filed by the Punjab government seeking the cancellation of bail for suspects involved in the May 9 incidents, directing that all related trials be concluded within four months.
Emphasizing the need to uphold legal timelines and ensure fair trial procedures, the court reinforced its commitment to due process.
During the hearing, lawyer Sameer Khosa, representing Khadija Shah, raised concerns that while one case against his client had a court order, three additional cases were also pending. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi assured that the legal rights of all accused, including Khadija Shah, would be protected and stated that this assurance would be clearly outlined in the written order.
Khosa also pointed out that although witness statements had been recorded, the accused had not yet received a copy of the indictment. He stressed the importance of trial court independence, referencing a letter written by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) judge in Sargodha to the High Court.
Chief Justice Afridi responded that the matter of judicial independence had been addressed and ordered that all necessary documents, including the indictment, be provided to the accused without further delay.
The court also reviewed the Punjab government’s appeal regarding PTI leader Tayyaba Raja, accused in the Jinnah House attack on May 9. Raja clarified that her case only pertained to the Jinnah House incident. Following the precedent set earlier in the hearing, the court ordered her trial to also be concluded within four months and dismissed the government’s appeal.
Notice Issued in Umar Sarfraz Cheema Case
In a separate development, the Supreme Court issued a notice to PTI leader Umar Sarfraz Cheema concerning an appeal seeking his physical remand in connection with the May 9 events.
Cheema, currently held in Kot Lakhpat Jail, is accused of involvement in the unrest, with prosecutors claiming that weapons still need to be recovered from him. They argued that physical remand was necessary, despite a prior denial by the High Court.
Chief Justice Afridi suggested that, since the accused is already in custody, any investigative needs should be promptly resolved. The court adjourned the matter for further proceedings.
