ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed trial courts to conclude proceedings against the May 9 accused within four months while conducting a hearing related to the cancellation of their bail.
A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, ordered the Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) to submit progress reports every 15 days. The court stressed that trial courts must ensure the legal rights of the accused are protected during the process.
During the hearing, lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa argued that completing the trials in four months would be difficult, particularly as some accused face multiple cases across different cities. “How can one person appear in several courts simultaneously?” he questioned.
Chief Justice Afridi, however, maintained confidence in the ATCs, stating, “The world must see that anti-terrorism courts can also function effectively.” Khosa agreed, saying, “We also advocate for anti-terrorism courts to be active and strong.”
Supreme Court delists May 9 bail cancellation appeals
The Punjab government’s lawyer assured the court that the trials could be completed in three months, but the bench ruled that four months would be a more reasonable timeframe. Another defense lawyer countered that with 35 cases against some accused, meeting the deadline would be impossible.
In a brief exchange, lawyer Faisal Chaudhry, representing co-accused Fawad Chaudhry, sought to intervene but was told by the Chief Justice that his case was not listed for hearing. “Then schedule our case for hearing,” Chaudhry responded.
Reflecting on judicial efficiency, Chief Justice Afridi recalled his tenure as Peshawar High Court chief justice during the Mashal Khan murder case, noting that the trial in that high-profile lynching had been completed within three months.
On May 9 2023, former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested which triggered a series of protests across in the country, with protesters charging through the Corps Commander House also known as Jinnah House in Lahore, among many other military buildings. State infrastructure was also harmed during this.
May 9 damages amounting to PKR 197m across Punjab
The SC received a report from the Punjab government regarding the May 9 incidents, revealing damages worth PKR197 million across Punjab.
According to the report, 24,595 suspects involved in the May 9 violence remain at large. The vandalism affected 38 cities in Punjab, with significant property damage reported in Lahore (PKR 110 million), Rawalpindi (PKR 26 million), and Mianwali (PKR 50 million).
A total of 319 cases have been registered across 38 districts of Punjab in connection with the May 9 riots. The report states that out of 35,962 total accused, 11,367 individuals have been arrested so far.
The hearing was adjourned without further orders.