Matiullah Jan case: SC rejects plea to halt trial proceedings

ISLAMABAD, Apr 01 (APP):The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday rejected a request to halt trial court proceedings in a case concerning the removal of terrorism charges against journalist Matiullah Jan.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar heard the case.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the challan had already been submitted in the anti-terrorism court and that indictment was scheduled for the following day, urging the court to suspend the trial court proceedings.

The counsel contended that the case had been registered to prevent coverage of a political party’s protest. He further informed the court that, according to the forensic report, no narcotics were recovered from Matiullah Jan.

At this point, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan observed that framing of charges was not an unusual matter and that even if charges were framed, they could be withdrawn later. He questioned why the case had not been re-listed in the high court after February 23, noting that such cases are usually decided within a week.

Justice Musarrat Hilali also raised a query, observing that bail is generally not granted in narcotics cases. The counsel responded that the forensic report did not establish any recovery of drugs.

The court further inquired whether the petitioner had any objection to the bench, to which the counsel expressed full confidence in the bench on behalf of Matiullah Jan.

Subsequently, the Supreme Court issued notice to the prosecution, sought a report regarding the new challan, and adjourned further hearing of the case until the next day.