ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court appointed nine amici curiae, including retired Justice Manzoor Malik and several advocates to contribute expertise to the case. The court emphasized that the government had neither withdrawn nor showed intent to withdraw the reference during the extended period.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of Pakistan reconvened after an 11-year hiatus to address a presidential reference concerning the former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s death sentence. This long-awaited session, streamed live on YouTube, marked a significant step in the case’s progression.
Led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, a nine-member bench delved into the matter, appointing nine friends of the court to aid in answering five crucial questions. The court, acknowledging the prolonged delay, expressed regret for the lack of hearings over the past 11 years.
In a notable court order, it was highlighted that despite Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s plea for live broadcast, the proceedings were already being live-streamed.
Additionally, the court allowed representation for Bhutto’s surviving offspring and eight grandchildren through legal counsel.
During the proceedings, the bench, led by CJP Isa, clarified its composition due to a senior judge’s refusal and two others recusing themselves for personal reasons.
The presidential reference, initiated by former President Asif Ali Zardari in 2011, remained unresolved despite subsequent presidential tenures.
Representing Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, PPP lawyer Farooq Naik participated, while the attorney general, on behalf of the caretaker government, confirmed their support for the ongoing proceedings rather than seeking withdrawal.
Naik referenced a statement by retired Justice Nasim Hasan Shah, one of the judges involved in Bhutto’s death sentence, suggesting that Bhutto was executed under duress. Justice Nasim Hasan Shah had made these remarks in interviews years after the event.
