SC adjourns Imaan Mazari’s case, directs parties to approach for early hearing in emergencies

ISLAMABAD, Jul 21 (APP):The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the case involving human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari, observing that the parties may file an application for an early hearing if any emergency arises.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, heard the matter.

During the proceedings, the Additional Attorney General informed the court that the identical case has already been fixed for hearing before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on July 24.

Counsel for Imaan Mazari, Faisal Siddiqi, argued that the High Court fixed the matter because it was sub judice before the Supreme Court. He noted that the previous hearing was adjourned upon the prosecution’s request and urged the bench to either hear arguments on the maintainability of the petition or adjourn the case for two weeks.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that the Supreme Court cannot sit and regulate the proceedings of the High Court. In response, Faisal Siddiqi argued that the Supreme Court has frequently issued directives to High Courts in various cases.

Justice Mazhar clarified that there is a distinct difference between regulating proceedings and issuing general orders, adding that adjourning the case in such a manner would amount to exercising oversight over the High Court’s proceedings.

The Additional Attorney General contended that the petitioners wanted the High Court proceedings to run under the supervision of the Supreme Court, prompting Faisal Siddiqi to remark that the case should then be allowed to proceed in the High Court.

After hearing the arguments, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing, directing that the counsel may file an application for an early hearing in the event of any urgent situation.