ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday ordered the suspension of the trial against Advocate Imaan Mazari in the controversial tweets case.
It directed that all proceedings remain on hold until the Islamabad High Court (IHC) delivers its ruling on the matter.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Hashim Kakar, and comprising Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, heard Mazari’s request to stay the ongoing trial. The bench observed that the IHC should hear all concerned parties comprehensively and reach a decision without unnecessary delay.
“We expect the High Court to provide a full opportunity of hearing to both sides and conclude the matter promptly,” the written order stated.
During the proceedings, Justice Hashim Kakar asked the counsel whether they had any objection to the order being dictated. Additional Attorney General Rana Asad remarked that although he had concerns about the maintainability of the petition, he would not object to the issuance of the order.
Mazari’s counsel Faisal Siddiqi thanked the AAG, adding humorously that “we can only come to you in this city,” prompting the judge to remind him that he was drifting into political commentary. The exchange led to laughter in the packed courtroom.
At one point, Justice Kakar noted that Siddiqi had not recited a couplet this time. The lawyer responded by offering a verse on the spot:
Hum aah bhi karte hain to ho jaate hain badnaam,
Woh qatl bhi karte hain to badnaam nahi hote.
Justice Kakar replied that Siddiqi had recited the same couplet during an earlier hearing, once again drawing amusement among those present.
The hearing was also attended by the Norwegian ambassador, who observed the proceedings from the courtroom.
