SC turns down PTI chief’s plea to stay trial in Toshakhana case

Javed Soomro

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday yet again turned down Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief’s request to stay the trial court’s proceedings in the Toshakhana case.

Read more: SC rejects PTI chief’s plea seeking to halt Toshakhana trial

A three-member SC bench headed by Justice Yahya Afridi, comprising Justice Mazahar Akbar Naqvi and Justice Musarat Hilali asked the PTI chief to await a verdict from Islamabad High Court (IHC) before approaching the apex court.

Justice Yahya Afridi told PTI counsel it would only be appropriate for  SC to take up the case once the high court has issued an order. IHC would be hearing the case tomorrow.

“It is possible that high court may issue an order to stop the trial tomorrow,” he said.

Khawaja Haris informed the court in the absence of an injunction order from IHC, his client’s right of defence would be jeopardized if they fail to produce witnesses ordered by trial court.

The bench, expressing surprise over PTI chief again approaching the SC, categorically told the PTI counsel the supervisory jurisdiction of trial courts lies with the respective high courts.

Adjourning the hearing of the PTI chief’s petition till August 4, SC has also summoned Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officials.