Islamabad: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday rejected a plea seeking the formation of a full court to hear petitions challenging the civilians’ trial in military courts.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial announced a reserved verdict by a six-member bench headed by the CJP and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ayesha A. Malik.
“Full court is not available till September,” read the verdict and adding that court holidays are going on while there are other engagements of the judges as well, which are being affected by this case.
At the outset of the proceedings, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan told the court that the 102 suspects in military custody were allowed to meet their families and assurances had been given.
He went on to say that matters pertaining to a counsel of choice and detailed decisions were also discussed. “We have also ensured that none of the suspects would be sentenced to death or life imprisonment.”
“The dignity and respect of all 102 persons are guaranteed,” Awan promised, adding that none of the suspects were mistreated.
The CJP expressed hope that the civilians would not be tried till the conclusion of the ongoing case.
It may be noted that the trials of civilians arrested for involvement in the May 9 riots, have not been started yet, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan informed the court at an earlier hearing.