Counsel stuck in traffic; military trials case adjourned until tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: The Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court, under Justice Aminuddin Khan, was scheduled to preside over the civilians’ trials in military courts case today. Lawyer Salman Akram Raja, who was scheduled to resume his arguments from the last hearing, could not reached the court due to traffic and road closures.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail said, “He knew that the roads were blocked today so he should have come out [of the house] on time,” adding, “These people probably want the accused to continue rotting in jails. If these people do not want to prosecute the case, it is their choice.”

Justice Aminuddin asked if there is any other lawyer present on behalf of any other party. The court’s staff responded that no lawyer from any party could reach the court. Justice Mandokhail responded to the staff, “If you have reached, Salman Akram Raja could also have reached.”

The court then asked if any lawyer wished to present arguments through the video link, but no counsel was available for arguments today. The Constitutional Bench adjourned the hearing of the case until tomorrow.