ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought relevant documents in a case related to the killing of a family allegedly by the officials of Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Sahiwal.
A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar and comprising Justice Shakeel Ahmed and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, heard the appeal filed by the Punjab government against the acquittal of the accused persons.
During the course of hearing, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, advocate, a pro bono publico in the case, appeared before the court.
Bhutta had filed an application in the said appeal of the Punjab government for seeking permission to assist the prosecution, but the Office Registrar of the Lahore High Court had raised an objection upon his application to assist the prosecution. Therefore, he had challenged that order before the LHC, but the high court had also rejected his application and had sustained the Registrar Office’s objection.
Later, Bhutta challenged these orders in the Supreme Court.
On Tuesday, during the hearing, Bhutta told the court that the CTD killed a family in this case, adding that the children of the family were also abandoned in the forest. He submitted that an appeal against the Anti-Terrorism Court’s decision acquitting the accused is currently pending before the high court.
Justice Ishtiaq asked as to whether anyone from the family’s heirs also appeared. Bhutta replied that given the situation in Punjab, it is extremely difficult for a family to stand up for itself. He alleged that “people in Punjab are implicated in false cases”.
Justice Ishtiaq asked that after the two constitutional amendments, whether they still have such powers.
Bhutta replied that the Supreme Court could exercise its powers under Article 187 of the Constitution. Meanwhile, counsel representing the Punjab government told the court that they do not need any assistance. Justice Kakar remarked that the petitioner was saying that apart from him, there was no one brave enough to raise a voice.
Another lawyer present in the courtroom told the court that Bhutta has made a statement against all lawyers in Punjab. Bhutta, however, responded that he did not speak against lawyers but described the situation in Punjab.
Meanwhile, the court asked Bhutta to club with his petition details pertaining to the objection raised by the LHC Registrar’s Office and adjourned further hearing for date-in-office (indefinite period).
