LAHORE:
Opposition in the Punjab Assembly has called on Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi to personally intervene in the procedures being followed by Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) during the trial proceedings of PTI lawmakers, workers, and supporters in the May 9 cases.
The demand was made through a letter addressed to CJP Afridi, highlighting various loopholes and alleged violations committed during the trial proceedings, which, according to the letter, deprived PTI members of their constitutional right to a fair trial under Article 10-A of the Constitution.
Deputy Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Muhammad Moeenudin Riaz, told journalists that they had written to the CJP to draw his attention to these serious violations, noting that PTI lawmakers and supporters were sentenced despite these concerns being ignored.
He said the letter also urged the Chief Justice to review the decisions handed down by the ATCs, which awarded sentences to PTI lawmakers and supporters in connection with the May 9 incidents.
“No PTI leader, worker, or supporter was given a fair opportunity to engage proper legal defence in the May 9 cases,” Riaz stated.
“What to speak of PTI leaders and workers—even the lawyers representing them were not granted adequate time to prepare their cases,” he added. He emphasised that the right to a fair trial and due process is guaranteed under Article 10-A of the Constitution.
Riaz also said that the opposition has demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 cases and called for the media to be granted access for proper coverage of these proceedings.
