The constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, on a pivotal Friday session, graciously extended time to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the submission of additional documents. These crucial documents pertain to the dire issue of establishing a judicial commission intended to thoroughly investigate the heart-wrenching tragedy of May 9.
A five-member constitutional bench, led by the distinguished Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, meticulously listened to the compelling arguments presented by the esteemed Hamid Khan on behalf of the petition filed by PTI’s founder, Imran Khan.
Justice Khan earnestly inquired about the specific requests made by the petitioner in the petition. Advocate Khan articulated that the petitioner sought the formation of a judicial commission, comprising the Chief Justice and two senior judges of the Supreme Court, to delve into the unfortunate May 9 incident. He further mentioned a plea to halt the trial of civilians in military courts.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar noted that the request concerning the civilian trials in military courts had already become irrelevant, as another case had superseded the matter.
The counsel was questioned about the feasibility of forming a judicial commission under Article 184, Clause 3 of the Constitution, to which Advocate Khan emphasized the gravity of the May 9 incident as a national tragedy, warranting a judicial inquiry that had yet to be conducted.
In further queries, Justice Mazhar examined whether a request for a judicial commission had been made in the case regarding civilian trials in military courts, to which Hamid Khan responded negatively.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail remarked on the petition’s mention of several civilian deaths on May 9, inquiring if any death certificates were attached. Justice Khan further questioned if any private complaints regarding the civilian casualties had been filed or if any FIRs were registered.
Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi proposed that media reports on the May 9 civilian casualties could have been submitted as a supporting document.
Later, the bench granted PTI more time to submit additional documents and adjourned the hearing indefinitely.