Islamabad, April 14, 2025: The Supreme Court on Monday directed that all trials related to the May 9 incidents be concluded within four months, as it disposed of the Punjab government’s appeals seeking cancellation of bails granted to several accused individuals.
During the hearing, lawyer Sameer Khosa informed the bench that in one of the cases involving Khadija Shah, the court had previously issued similar instructions. He added that Shah is currently facing three additional cases.
Chief Justice of Pakistan assured that the legal rights of all accused, including Khadija Shah, would be fully protected. He further stated that the court’s written order would clearly reflect this commitment.
Khosa also highlighted procedural concerns, noting that while witness statements had been recorded, charge sheets had not yet been shared with the accused. He stressed the importance of maintaining the independence of trial courts and referred to a letter written by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) judge from Sargodha to the High Court, raising concerns on the matter.
In response, the Chief Justice reiterated that the issue of ATC independence had already been addressed in an earlier ruling. He assured that all necessary documents, including formal charge sheets, would be provided to the accused in accordance with the law.
