Islamabad, July 29, 2025: In a strongly worded appeal addressed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan has called for immediate judicial intervention in the ongoing trials related to the events of May 9, 2023, citing what he termed “grave constitutional and procedural violations.”
In a formal letter submitted to the apex court, Ayub stated that the trials currently underway in Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) across Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and other cities are being conducted in a manner that undermines due process and the fundamental right to a fair trial. He described the proceedings as “rushed, coercive, and politically motivated,” warning that the integrity of Pakistan’s judicial system was at stake.
“Hearings are reportedly taking place from early morning until 2 or 3 a.m., leaving no room for proper legal preparation or judicial dignity,” the opposition leader wrote. “This is not justice — this is exhaustion and coercion masquerading as due process.”
Omar Ayub, who himself faces charges stemming from the May 9 protests, argued that trials were being conducted in violation of Article 10A of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial, as well as international commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
He further alleged:
- Denial of legal representation of choice, with courts appointing state counsels without consent;
- Restricted media access and barring of family members from courtrooms;
- Fabricated police reports, prosecutorial overreach, and intimidation tactics;
- Selective targeting of opposition figures, particularly members and supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Citing key judgments of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, including PLD 2012 SC 553 (Benazir Bhutto v. Federation of Pakistan) and PLD 1972 SC 139 (Asma Jilani v. Government of Punjab), Ayub argued that the judiciary must act as a safeguard against political victimization and uphold the sanctity of the Constitution.
“The courts must stand as bulwarks against tyranny,” he quoted from the landmark Asma Jilani verdict, urging the Chief Justice to act decisively.
In his appeal, Ayub called on the Chief Justice to:
- Review all ongoing May 9 trials for compliance with due process;
- Prohibit court sessions that stretch into unreasonable hours;
- Guarantee the accused’s right to counsel of choice;
- Allow full media access to restore transparency;
- Investigate reports of police and prosecutorial misconduct;
- Reopen cases concluded under manifestly unfair conditions.
Ayub warned that failure to act would result in long-lasting damage to public confidence in the judiciary, adding, “History is being written every day. The judiciary must not become an instrument of political oppression.”
Concluding his letter, the Opposition Leader expressed hope that the Supreme Court would live up to its role as the guardian of the Constitution.
“Pakistan’s people and its future depend on a judiciary that acts with courage, impartiality, and adherence to constitutional ideals,” he wrote.
The letter comes amid growing national and international concern over the fairness of legal proceedings following the May 9 unrest, and is likely to further intensify scrutiny on the handling of the trials.
