ISLAMABAD: During the hearing of multiple petitions against the trial of civilians in military courts, senior lawyer and PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan requested the Supreme Court to take suo motu notice of the amendments to the Official Secrets Act. Chief Justice clarified that he cannot take suo moto alone as per the direction of the larger bench. However, the chief justice adjourned the hearing indefinitely later.
A six-member bench headed by CJP Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ayesha A. Malik, resumed hearing the petitions.
During the hearing, Aitzaz Ahsan raised concerns about a new law that grants unlimited powers to spy agencies in Pakistan. He informed the court that now intelligence agencies are allowed to conduct raids on someone’s house without requiring a warrant. Ahsan expressed his apprehensions about the potential misuse of such powers. He said such powers would have negative implications on the human rights and freedoms of citizens.
The Chief Justice clarified that he alone cannot take suo motu notice as per a decision of the larger bench. He mentioned that the bill is still under discussion in parliament, and the court was not fully aware of its status.
Aitzaz Ahsan pointed out the martial law-like situation in the country. He added that the status of the six judges on the bench is that of a full court
During the hearing, the Attorney General for Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan, defended the establishment of military courts. He assured the court that there was no attempt to overturn the Constitution and law. He emphasized the necessity of military courts for dealing with spies from enemy countries and terrorists.
The Chief Justice adjourned the hearing indefinitely and stated that he would fix a date after consulting with his colleagues. He stressed the importance of protecting the basic human rights of the people and emphasized the need to restrict the army from taking unconstitutional actions against civilians.
