During the hearing of the intra-court appeals against the apex court’s decision that stopped the military trial of civilians, the CB noted that the cases against the accused involved in the May 9, 2023 violence were booked under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) but the military did not get any case registered.
A seven-member bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the intra-court appeals. At the outset of the hearing, bench member Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, asked defence ministry’s lawyer Khawaja Haris to complete his arguments within 20 minutes.
Haris responded that he would try to conclude his arguments by the end of the day. At this, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Amir Rehman said that if Haris finished his arguments today, the attorney general for Pakistan (AGP) would present his arguments on Wednesday (today).
During the hearing, Justice Mandokhel said that no arrest could be made without an FIR, nor could anyone be detained without a magistrate’s order. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar said that the May 9 cases were registered under the OSA, adding that the military did not register any FIR directly.
Justice Mandokhel remarked that this case would have profound implications for the future. Justice Aminuddin Khan said after arguments from Khawaja Haris, the court would hear the AGP on Wednesday (today).
Haris remarked that had the judges not asked so many questions, he would have completed his arguments. However, Justice Musarrat Hilali, in a lighter vein, said she would not let anyone ask questions. Justice Mandokhel added that he, too, would refrain from asking any. The hearing is scheduled to continue on Wednesday (today).