Iman Mazari Case: “Let the System Be Fully Exposed; Don’t Force Us to Say What We Don’t Want To”

ISLAMABAD: During the hearing of appeals seeking suspension of the sentences awarded to Iman Mazari and Hadi Chatha, Supreme Court Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan remarked that the system should be allowed to be fully exposed, adding that the court was present and would not disappear.

A two-member Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan heard the appeals. During the proceedings, Justice Afghan asked when the Islamabad High Court’s summer vacation would end.

The Additional Attorney General informed the court that the Islamabad High Court would formally resume work from September 6. He argued that the appeals seeking suspension of the sentences were not maintainable.

Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim questioned where the law stated that such appeals were not maintainable.

Barrister Faisal Siddiqui told the court that the Supreme Court had directed that a decision be taken on the sentence-suspension appeals within two weeks, but the court’s order had not been implemented.

The Additional Attorney General maintained that the Islamabad High Court had its own system under which cases were scheduled.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan remarked that it would be better not to seek the Supreme Court’s opinion regarding the Islamabad High Court’s system.

Faisal Siddiqui said the case had suddenly been fixed for September 8 at the Islamabad High Court, adding that whenever the Supreme Court was about to decide the matter, the case was scheduled in the High Court.

“Mr Faisal Siddiqui, let the system be fully exposed,” Justice Afghan remarked.

Faisal Siddiqui said the cause list had not yet been issued and expressed concern that the case might disappear from the system.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan responded, “The case may disappear from the system, but we will not. Don’t worry, we are here, and God willing, we will continue to be here.”

Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim observed that the Supreme Court had only directed a decision on the sentence-suspension applications and that the court could also dismiss the petitions.

The Supreme Court adjourned further proceedings until September 17.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan remarked that at the next hearing, either the bench would be deciding the matter or the petitioners would be withdrawing their cases.