\u2018We will defend the Constitution and the people,\u2019 Chief Justice Bandial says, adjourning hearing indefinitely
\n ISLAMABAD
\nChief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has declared that the country\u2019s armed forces would not be allowed to take \u201cillegal actions\u201d as the Supreme Court adjourned indefinitely the hearing on a slew of petitions challenging the military trials of civilians.
\nThe six-judge bench, led by the CJP, comprised of Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ayesha A Malik. As the court put off the hearing for an indefinite period, the CJP, on the occasion, sought from the attorney general of Pakistan (AGP) the assurance that there would be no trial of civilians.
\nThe AGP replied that he had already assured there would be no trial of the civilians. The chief justice made it clear that at the same time the apex court\u2019s order of provision of facilities to civilians presently in detention in connection with the incidents of violence on May 9 would stay.
\n \u201cI wish everybody comply with laws and the constitution,\u201d he said, and added, \u201cThe court holds in high esteem those who cooperate with it. We even respect those who don\u2019t cooperate with us.\u201d Advocate Latif Khosa said his only appeal to the court was to give decision in the case this week.
\nCJP Bandial replied that as far as he was concerned, he was ready to work till 8:00 at night. \u201cThese days there are vacations. And there are some judges on the bench who have not taken a single day off,\u201d he said, and added, \u201cThe vacations are for three months. But we had decided to settle for just one month.\u201d
\nHe further said that the court was mindful of the fact that presently the country was passing through tough times. \u201cAnd we have a great respect for those whose role is instrumental in keeping this court functional,\u201d he remarked.
\nThe chief justice went on to say that what happened on May 9 was extremely unfortunate. \u201cAt the same time, however, I won\u2019t like Pakistan Army personnel to shoot at civilians,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cAnd one must commend the army for not opening fire at civilians.\u201d
\nHe said it was also shocking that some people in Mianwali attacked military installations by bulldozing the wall. \u201cBut at the same time, let me make clear that the bench will not allow the country\u2019s armed forces to do something illegal,\u201d the CJP said categorically.
\nHe further said that he thought the bench should hear more from the AGP. \u201cI think we should adjourn the case\u2019s hearing at least for two weeks,\u201d he said. Advocate Latif Khosa sought from the court two hours to complete his arguments in the case.
\nThe AGP said he would like to say something about the parallel judicial system. \u201cIn the case of Liaquat Hussain, the nature of crimes was purely civil,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cSuspects in the case were charged under section 2D(I) of the Official Secrets Act.\u201d Rebutting the attorney general, Justice Muneeb Akhtar remarked that these were by no means crimes of civil nature.
\nThe chief justice replied that after all the court, too, had to make sense of the case. \u201cWhen I left the court yesterday, I had no idea what the parallel judicial system was,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cNow I am updated on it.\u201d The court then adjourned hearing of the case for an indefinite time period.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u2018We will defend the Constitution and the people,\u2019 Chief Justice Bandial says, adjourning hearing indefinitely ISLAMABAD Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has declared that the country\u2019s armed forces would not be allowed to take \u201cillegal actions\u201d as the Supreme Court adjourned indefinitely the hearing on a slew of petitions challenging the military […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":253312,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[3629],"class_list":{"0":"post-347022","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news","8":"tag-justice-umar-ata-bandial"},"yoast_head":"\n