Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Atta Bandial has remarked during the hearing of the suo moto case of journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder that there is a state of chaos and division at the moment, while the allegations against those who were providing support and protection to Arshad Sharif abroad are surprising.
During the hearing, Arshad Sharif’s family lawyer, Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, raised objections over the suo moto, saying the court cannot supervise the investigation. He said that it is unconstitutional for the court to supervise the investigation, adding that slain Arshad Sharif’s mother should have asked to approach the Justice of the Peace.
On this, Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial said that the Supreme Court took suo motu after waiting for five and a half weeks. “Why was there no legal action until the court took notice?” he questioned. On this, lawyer Shaukat Siddiqui said that the SHO of Ramna police station was not registering the case at the request of Arshad Sharif’s mother.
Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial said that the apex court took suo moto notice of the Arshad Sharif murder case after the fact-finding report of the murder was released. There were some aspects in the fact-finding report that needed to be investigated; the murder case was registered when the court proceedings started, he remarked.
The chief justice said that there has been no progress in the Arshad Sharif murder case yet and that no support is being received from abroad. He said that the proceedings might be further delayed if the apex court stops monitoring them.
The conduct of the Supreme Court regarding journalists is respectful. “We never initiate contempt of court action against journalists,” he said. The journalist was killed, which can be a lesson for others, he remarked.
The chief justice said that Arshad Sharif’s mother had requested the formation of a judicial commission, and the prime minister had also written a letter in this regard. The apex court has neither formed a judicial commission nor interfered in the investigation, he added.
Later, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing for three weeks.
