Connect with us

Politics

Bilawal takes exception to SC judge questioning maintainability of ZA Bhutto reference

Published

on

  • Bilawal questions “statute of limitation” in hearing Bhutto reference.
  • Seeking justice for murder is legal right of everyone: PPP chief.
  • Urges SC to set legacy for country via ZA Bhutto reference verdict.

Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari Wednesday raised several “questions of law” a day after a judge of the Supreme Court questioned the maintainability of 12-year-old Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference.

On Tuesday, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah observed that the matter pertaining to the trial of the PPP founder had attained finality as a review petition had been dismissed earlier, so how can the apex court re-open the case that has already been concluded.

A nine-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa heard the presidential reference seeking to revisit the ZAB murder case.

The apex court heard the attorney general and PPP counsel Farooq H Naek, and adjourned the hearing till the second week of January 2024.

The PPP chairman, while addressing lawyers at Peshawar High Court Bar Association today, said: “I want to ask you a few questions of law as I was asked that you are pleading this [ZA Bhutto] reference but what’s your question of law.”

“My question of law is that can judiciary commit a murder or become co-accused in committing a murder,” the PPP chief said.

Bilawal questioned the “statute of limitation” in hearing ZA Bhutto reference that was filed by then president Asif Ali Zardari in 2011, asking the top court to review the verdict that sentenced PPP founder and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to death in 1978.

“Seeking justice for murder is a legal right of everyone,” he said, opposing the limitation to hearing the cases that are time-barred.

“Murder is murder no matter how many years have passed,” he added.

Taking a jibe at former chief justices, Bilawal without naming anyone, asked what’s the question of law in launching a dam fund campaign — a reference to former top judge Saqib Nisar’s campaign initiated during the Imran Khan government.

He also asked if any chief justice has the right to take steps to restore a city to its original plan by demolishing the houses of the poor. Bilawal was referring to the ex-chief justice Gulzar Ahmed who ordered the demolition of buildings and slum areas built illegally in Karachi.

“We will speak about the question of law but along with that we hope that […] as per law and Constitution, the Supreme Court will set a legacy in its order to give a roadmap for the progress and prosperity of the country and youth,” he added.

Latest News

PTI suggests resuming talks with government over judicial commission issue.

Published

on

By

Barrister Gohar, Chairman of the PTI, has claimed that the party’s founder has suspended negotiations, emphasizing that the government should declare the commission within seven days.

He emphasized the PTI’s openness to rethink if the government makes headway and establishes the commission.

Barrister Gohar told the reporters, “Seven days were enough to announce the commission.” We are ready to reconsider, but the government must first announce the commission.”

He stated that the PTI approached the negotiations with an open mind. “The PTI founder has halted the negotiations. “The government had eight laws on their agenda, while we only had two demands,” he stated.

The PTI chairman went on to say that even after seven days, no progress had been made in forming the commission. He encouraged the government to reconsider the decision and proceed with the announcement.

Continue Reading

Latest News

PTI will declare February 8 to be “Black Day,” sparking protests across the country.

Published

on

By

According to reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intends to hold rallies nationwide on Wednesday in support of its decision to declare February 8, the one-year anniversary of the general elections, a black day.

According to media sources, PTI founder Imran Khan has instructed all party lawmakers—including MPAs and MNAs—to plan and take part in demonstrations in their local communities on February 8 in order to draw attention to their complaints and issues.

In a recent meeting with legal advisors on Wednesday, Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. The meeting emphasized the importance of party discipline and gave stern directives to abstain from any criticism of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the JUI-F.

It has also been suggested that the PTI engage opposition leaders in the demonstrations in order to win their support.

Party insiders revealed that the founder has urged leaders to ensure effective coordination and mobilised efforts in preparation for February 8.

Continue Reading

Latest News

In 13 cases involving the D-Chowk demonstration, Bushra Bibi granted temporary release until February 7.

Published

on

By

Bushra Bibi, the wife of the PTI chairman, was granted temporary release by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in 13 counts pertaining to the November 26 D-Chowk protest. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra ordered the police to produce all pertinent documentation by February 7 and granted bail against surety bonds of Rs. 5,000 apiece.

Additionally, Bushra Bibi was given temporary release until February 7 in the Rangers’ accident case. During the hearing, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra expressed disappointment over the behavior of the defense counsel on two occasions. Addressing the lawyers, he remarked, “You demand VIP protocol everywhere, but this is not possible. Prepare your files properly before coming to court.”

Three cases at the Secretariat Police Station, two each at the Margalla, Karachi Company, and Ramna Police Stations, and one each at the Tarnol, Kohsar, Aabpara, and Khanna Police Stations are among the numerous charges against Bushra Bibi.

In addition, the judge chastised the defense team for requesting that Bushra Bibi sign and thumbprint blank documents. He said, “The accused must sign and thumbprint the court orders, not blank sheets.”

Bushra Bibi also went to the Islamabad High Court to have her biometrics verified in relation to her appeal to be exonerated in the Toshakhana-II case. On Monday, Bushra Bibi and the PTI chairman submitted their acquittal petitions. After finishing the biometric procedure, she departed right away.

Continue Reading

Trending