ISLAMABAD:  Supreme Court of Pakistan issued written order pertaining to last hearing on Zulifqar Ali Bhutto reference. Order said, “In view of forthcoming elections and as important matters are coming before this Court and as this Court wants to hear this reference in detail, it be fixed for hearing in third week of February 2024, which will also enable us to examine material filed before us.”

It said, “Raza Rabbani states that he represents Sanam Bhutto, Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto Zardari respectively, daughter and maternal granddaughters of late Bhutto.

Zahid. F. Ebrahim was appointed as amicus but states that he had already been approached by Fatima Bhutto and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, paternal grandchildren of late Bhutto.”

It said, “We enquired from learned counsel and others present whether anyone has any objection to Zahid F. Ebrahim being counsel instead of amicus and none object.”

 Court said, “Khawaja Haris Ahmed was appointed as amicus but he has disclosed that his father was counsel in contempt case of Masood Mahmood, who was co-accused/approver in case, therefore, his name may be withdrawn as amicus.”

Order read, “Salahuddin Ahmed was appointed as amicus and discloses that he is married to granddaughter of murdered Nawab Ahmed Khan, therefore, if anyone objects to him being amicus he will withdraw. However, none present object to Salahuddin Ahmed appearing as amicus.

We commenced by hearing amicus Makhdoom Ali Khan. He has also filed material contained in two voluminous bound sets.” Top court said, “If any amicus or counsel wants copy of report of Justice Shafi ur Rehman or of recording provided by Geo office to provide same.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 11 2024

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