The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday took up the Punjab government’s appeal challenging the acquittal of Sanam Javed in connection with the May 9 riots. During the hearing, the bench voiced serious concerns over judicial delays and the role of the Lahore High Court, emphasizing that courts must not turn a blind eye to possible injustice.
The Punjab government’s legal team argued that Sanam Javed had only approached the Lahore High Court to contest her remand, yet the court exceeded its authority by acquitting her altogether.
Justice Hashim Kakar expressed dismay at the ongoing delays in such cases, noting that clear instructions had already been issued to resolve these matters within four months. “If the High Court receives even a letter suggesting injustice, it has the authority to act. Courts cannot remain passive in the face of injustice,” he remarked.
Justice Salahuddin added that the High Court does indeed hold suo motu powers in criminal revision matters. Meanwhile, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim questioned the Punjab government’s timing, asking, “Did it really take you a year to recall that the accused committed a crime?”
In a sharp aside, a judge sarcastically commented that at this rate, anyone could be implicated in the May 9 cases—including the judges themselves.
The court adjourned the hearing indefinitely.
In a related development, the Punjab government also sought time to present evidence against Sheikh Rashid in the GHQ attack case, another incident linked to the May 9 unrest. Justice Kakar strongly criticized the delaying tactics, warning, “If you want adjournments, don’t come to this court.” He stressed that such delays would only be tolerated in the case of a death—of a judge, lawyer, or the accused.
When the special prosecutor asked to submit confessional statements, Justice Kakar responded sternly, “Fear God—Sheikh Rashid has been elected MNA 50 times. Where do you think he’s going to run off to?”
The court made it clear that political rhetoric would not be accepted in place of solid legal arguments and directed the case be scheduled for hearing next week.
