ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) has remarked former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was not afforded opportunity of fair trial in murder case.

Nine-member bench of SC presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa in unanimous decision, declared that injustice was done as Bhutto was denied fair trial opportunity. It’s violation of law and Constitution.

CJP Qazi Faez Isa read out decision remarking 5 questions have been raised in presidential reference. Review petition was dismissed in Zulfiqar           Ali Bhutto case. Final decision was made. 

We judges are bound to decide as per law and administer equal justice to everyone. There should be self-accountability in judiciary. We are all set to set right past mistakes. There are certain cases in history which gave impression that judiciary gave decision in fear. We cannot go ahead in right direction without accepting past mistakes.

Trial of former PM Zulfiqar Bhutto took place in Lahore High Court in military regime of Zia ul Haq. President gave opportunity to see decision of Bhutto case by filing reference. President filed reference which was not withdrawn by other governments.

SC returned second question without giving any opinion. Legal point was not raised in second question. 

Court gave reply to questions no 3 and 5 collectively. SC cannot review evidences again. Forth question was to review conviction in accordance with Islamic norms. No one assisted court on matter of Islamic principles. This is matter of public interest and detailed opinion will be given later. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 07 2024

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