A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, heard the case regarding the cancellation of bail for the accused in May 9 cases.
The Punjab government’s counsel informed the court that the trial would be completed within three months. In response, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi remarked that the trial courts would be instructed to complete the proceedings within four months.
Khadija Shah’s lawyer argued that it would be difficult to complete the trial in four months, as several cases were registered against her client.
Lawyer Faisal Chaudhry informed the court that there were 35 cases against them, and completing the trial in such a short time would not be possible.
Chief Justice then asked Faisal Chaudhry, "Who are you representing?" Faisal Chaudhry replied that he was representing the co-accused, Fawad Chaudhry.
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi addressed Faisal Chaudhry, saying that the court would not hear him because his case was not scheduled for hearing.
CJP asked the parties to trust the anti-terrorism courts. Justice Yahya Afridi remarked, “The incident of Mashal Khan’s murder took place in Mardan, and I was the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court at that time. The trial in the Mashal Khan murder case was completed in three months. Anti-terrorism courts can complete the trial in four months. The rights of the accused should not be affected due to other cases pending in the trial court.”
Justice Salahuddin Panhwar remarked that the argument based on perception that the rights would be affected was unfounded. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi further stated that the law is clear that trials in anti-terrorism courts will be conducted on a daily basis.
Special prosecutors informed the court that the findings of the high courts were contrary to the law and evidence. The court was informed that both the anti-terrorism courts and high courts had not properly assessed the evidence. Additional Prosecutor General Punjab Wajid Gilani stated that the statements of 28 witnesses had been recorded so far.
