Trial of civilians in military courts case: SC order issued

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has issued a written order regarding its hearing on April 24 concerning the trial of civilians in military courts.

The order stated that at the beginning of the hearing, the attorney general (AG) submitted a list of 20 individuals who had been released.

All the lawyers requested that the court seek decisions from the AG regarding the release of these 20 individuals.

The AG is required to file with the SC the decisions made in the cases of these 20 individuals.Khawaja Ahmad Hussain, counsel for the petitioner, objected to the bench and referred to the order from the previous hearing of the case. Suleman Akram Raja and Aitzaz Ahsan also presented arguments regarding the constitution of a larger bench.

The learned lawyers were asked if they desired a decision from a larger bench. The lawyers requested to submit their arguments before a committee.The order further stated that considering the pleas of the respondents’ lawyers, it was deemed appropriate to refer the matter to a committee. The committee will decide on the lawyers’ pleas regarding the constitution of a larger bench.Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, while emphasising the freedom of citizens, suggested fixing the matter for another hearing soon.