ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court on Tuesday turned down a petition filed by government for formation of a full bench to hear the petitions challenging the civilian’s trial in military courts.
A six-judge larger bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ayesha A Malik, is heard the pleas.
The pleas were filed by former CJP Jawwad S Khawaja, Aitzaz Ahsan, Karamat Ali, and PTI Chairman Imran Khan after several suspects of May 9 violence were handed over to military for trial.
Attorney-General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan, Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Abid Zuberi and others were present in the court.
During the hearing, the AGP requested the court to establish a full court bench to hear the petitions. In reply, the CJP rejected the plea due to unavailability of judges. The top court remarked that it was not possible to entertain the plea this time as judges were on summer vacation.
Later, CJP Bandia rejected the plea and adjourned the hearing till tomorrow (July 19).
At the outset of the hearing, Abid Zuberi came to the rostrum and said he would assist the apex court on five points. At which, the CJP welcomed his views.