Completing trials within 4 months will protect rights of May 9 accused: CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi on Thursday remarked that the decision to complete the trials related to the May 9, 2023 incidents within four months would ensure the protection of the rights of the accused.

The CJP was heading a three-member bench hearing appeals of the Punjab government against the bails granted to the accused of May 9 incidents.

Sardar Latif Khosa objected to the order passed by the apex court to the trial courts for completing the trials within four months. “Has it ever happened that a trial is completed within four months,” Latif Khosa questioned. The CJP asked Khosa not to say that, adding that law directs Anti-Terrorism Court to hear such cases.

But Latif Khosa contended that the top court’s four-month order will disrupt the trial. The CJP replied that trial is a matter for the concerned high court and the administrative judge, adding that the Supreme Court will not monitor the trial. Latif Khosa informed the court that there are 500 cases of May 9 with 24,000 accused absconding.

The CJP, however, remarked that the decision to complete the trial in four months will ensure the protection of the rights of the accused.

Meanwhile, the said bench issued notice to Advocate General Punjab in the plea of Fawad Chaudhry seeking consolidation of cases filed against him in connection with May 9 incidents.

During the hearing, Fawad Chaudhry told the court that there are 35 cases against him regarding May 9, adding that when he filed a petition in the high court, the bench said they could only decide within their registry’s jurisdiction.

“My cases are in Multan, Faisalabad, and Lahore branches, Fawad Chaudhry told the court, adding that in Faisalabad, 23 witnesses have already testified, yet he has not even been given a charge sheet.

He submitted that the court’s four-month direction is not feasible in such cases, adding that the prosecution is more interested in dragging people than delivering justice.

Later, the court adjourned further hearing till next week.

Similarly, the court also adjourned hearing for the next week in the matter of Senator Ejaz Chaudhry’s bail application in May 9 incidents.

The CJP asked as to what evidence is there against Ejaz Chaudhry to which

Special Prosecutor Punjab told the court that there is a video of Ejaz Chaudhry inciting people. On court’s query, DSP Lahore Police Dr. Javed presented Pemra’s record against Ejaz Chaudhry.

Counsel for Ejaz Chaudhry, however, told the court that the evidence provided is a TV interview.

The CJP, however, told the counsel that even if it is an interview, his client was inciting the youth. Later, the court directed police to present further evidence and adjourned the hearing.