The Supreme Court denies the government’s request to permit military courts to adjudicate civilian disputes.

The constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Aminuddin Khan, resumed proceedings on challenges contesting the trial of civilians in military courts. The court denied the government’s petition to authorize military courts to issue verdicts.

The court rejected the government’s request to provide military courts authority over civilian proceedings. Justice Musarrat Hilali stated that providing such permission would signify acknowledgment of the military courts’ jurisdiction in these issues.

The Supreme Court rejected a request by retired Justice Jawad S. Khawaja to postpone the hearing until the ruling on the 26th constitutional amendment, imposing a penalty of Rs20,000 on the petitioner.

Former Chief Justice Jawad S. Khawaja, representing the petitioners, advocated for the postponement of the case until the resolution of the 26th amendment, contending that if the amendment is deemed unconstitutional, the results of associated cases will likewise be rendered void. Justice Jamal Mandokhail stated, “You lack a loved one in custody, which is the reason for your request for delays.” If you do not acknowledge the court’s jurisdiction, you may exit.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar underscored the inviolability of judicial verdicts and voiced apprehension regarding persistent delay strategies in these proceedings.

Justice Mandokhail elucidated that all newly constituted benches, including those adjudicating constitutional amendments, are established in accordance with the most recent constitutional framework.

Hafeezullah Niazi, the father of incarcerated lawyer Hassan Niazi, was called to the podium during the hearing. Upon being inquired whether he wished for the trial to advance, he replied in the positive.

The court denied the motion to postpone proceedings and imposed a punishment of Rs20,000. The hearing was postponed until tomorrow for additional deliberations.