Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry appeared before the Supreme Court and raised concerns that anti-terrorism courts (ATCs) are being converted into military courts following a Supreme Court directive to complete trials within four months.
According to reports, during the hearing of the May 9 violence cases, Fawad told the court that despite previous instructions, his cases have yet to be scheduled. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi assured him that his case would be listed the next day. However, Fawad argued that he is being directly affected by the Supreme Court's instructions even though his own cases have not been heard.
He claimed that as soon as the Supreme Court's letter was received, ATCs began functioning as military courts. Chief Justice Afridi questioned how a letter could have been issued when no formal court order had yet been passed. He added that if any such letter was sent, it would be withdrawn. Prosecutor Zulfiqar Naqvi also stated that he had no knowledge of any such communication.
Fawad responded by citing a judge from the ATC in Sargodha, who allegedly confirmed receiving such a letter. In response, the court directed that the May 9 cases be scheduled for hearing on Thursday as well.
It is worth noting that on April 8, a three-member Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi ordered that ATCs must conclude all May 9-related cases within four months. The court also directed that progress reports be submitted every 15 days to the respective Chief Justices of the High Courts.
