Lawyers’ Protest Disrupts Supreme Court Hearing on Military Trials of Civilians

Islamabad: The Supreme Court’s hearing regarding the trial of civilians in military courts was disrupted today as lawyers were unable to attend due to ongoing protests. A seven-member constitutional bench, led by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, was scheduled to hear an intra-court appeal against the military trial of civilians.

Due to protests by lawyers in Islamabad, Salman Akram Raja, the lawyer representing individuals convicted by military courts, along with other lawyers, were unable to reach the Supreme Court. Lawyer Rana Waqaar informed the court that Salman Akram Raja was stuck in traffic. In response, Justice Mandokhail expressed frustration, saying, “If you knew the routes were blocked today, you should have left on time. Perhaps you want the accused to rot in jails. If you don’t want to proceed with the case, it’s up to you.”

Justice Amin-ud-Din further inquired if any other lawyer from the parties had arrived, to which the court staff responded that no lawyer had arrived, and none were present on video link either.

As a result, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing of the case related to civilians’ trials in military courts until tomorrow.