Islamabad, July 28, 2025: Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Jawad S. Khawaja on Monday filed a contempt of court petition in the Supreme Court against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accusing him of failing to implement the apex court’s May 7 ruling regarding civilians tried by military courts.
The petition alleges that the federal government has not complied with the Supreme Court’s directive to amend existing laws or introduce new legislation within 45 days to grant civilians convicted by military courts the right to appeal in a High Court.
“This is a straightforward case,” the petition states. “The Supreme Court gave a direction to the Federal Government to make necessary amendments/legislation to provide an independent appellate right to the High Court from decisions in court martial proceedings within 45 days. This direction has not been complied with.”
The petition further contends that the government’s inaction amounts to willful disobedience of a binding judicial order, making Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directly liable for contempt.
Highlighting the constitutional framework, the petition asserts: “In cases of violation of fundamental rights, the Superior Courts are empowered to issue directions to the Federal Government or the Provincial Governments to bring the law in conformity with fundamental rights and/or enforce law and issue notification in that regard.”
It also emphasizes that both the legislature and executive can be constitutionally directed to take legislative steps to align laws with fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.
The original May 7 ruling had upheld earlier verdicts and instructed the federal government to legislate on the right to appeal for those convicted under military court proceedings, calling such legislation essential to ensure constitutional protections and access to justice.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Prime Minister’s Office or the Ministry of Law regarding the petition.
