In a significant ruling on Tuesday, the Supreme Court of Pakistan directed Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) to conclude the trials of suspects involved in the May 9, 2023 riots within four months. These riots, which occurred following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, led to widespread attacks on military installations, with various civilians and PTI leaders facing charges for their alleged involvement.
A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, convened to hear a series of petitions filed by the Punjab government. These petitions sought the cancellation of bail granted to certain suspects. As the cases are spread across the country, some courts have already issued judgments, while others are still pending.
During the hearing, the Punjab government’s lawyer assured the court that the trials would be completed within three months, but CJP Afridi extended the deadline to four months. The bench also ordered ATCs to submit a progress report to the chief justices of their respective high courts every 15 days to ensure timely proceedings.
The hearing also addressed the legal concerns of suspects, including that of fashion designer Khadija Shah, who is out on bail in one case and acquitted in another. PTI’s former Punjab chief organiser Aliya Hamza Malik’s case was also part of the bail cancellation pleas under review. As the hearing progressed, concerns were raised about the feasibility of completing such numerous trials within the allocated time frame, especially for clients with multiple cases pending.
The bench emphasized that ATCs should conduct daily hearings to expedite the proceedings and ensure that suspects’ rights are not compromised due to delays or other pending cases. They also noted concerns about the inadequate review of evidence in some cases, urging the ATCs to adhere strictly to legal procedures.
As the trials continue, the court’s decision sets a crucial precedent for ensuring swift and fair justice in high-profile cases tied to national security.
