Islamabad (Web Desk): The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday directed the trial courts to finalise verdicts in cases related to the May 9 events within four months.
The order was issued by a three-member bench, chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, heard bail cancellation appeals connected to the incidents of May 9.
The decision underscores the court’s intention to speed up proceedings, particularly in politically sensitive matters where delays have raised concerns.
During the hearing, a defense lawyer voiced concerns about the feasibility of completing trials within such a tight timeframe, especially since his client was facing a staggering 35 different cases.
In response, Chief Justice Afridi drew a parallel with the Mashal Khan lynching case, which, when he was the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court (PHC), had been concluded in just three months.
He said that the anti-terrorism courts were fully capable of handling cases within strict timelines.
Earlier, the court had issued similar instructions in relation to separate bail appeals filed by the Punjab government, calling on lower courts to finalize verdicts within three months.
This recent directive reinforces the judiciary's commitment to swift and efficient handling of cases, particularly those that attract significant political attention.
In addition to these rulings, a five-member Constitutional Bench of the SC is set to hear petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and others, seeking a judicial inquiry into the events of May 9, 2023, and an investigation into alleged rigging during the previous year’s general elections.
The PTI founder’s petition for an investigation into the May 9 incidents was filed in December 2023, while his separate petition regarding the election allegations was filed in February 2024.
These petitions will be heard by a bench led by Justice Aminuddin Khan.
