ISLAMABAD, Mar 05 (APP):The Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday heard a case regarding whether a woman’s testimony should be considered half of a man’s testimony and issued notices to the federal and provincial governments seeking their responses.
A five-member bench headed by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail heard the case.
During the hearing, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan observed that Surah Al-Baqarah contains clear injunctions regarding women’s testimony. He said the Holy Quran also explains the circumstances in which women’s testimony is acceptable and provides detailed guidance on the matter.
Counsel for the petitioner informed the court that the women who had filed the petition had passed away.
At this, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail remarked that the court wished to proceed with the case so that a clear ruling could be given on this important issue.
During the proceedings, the court summoned Saira Rajput, Finance Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan.
Justice Mandokhail also invited female journalists present in the courtroom to the rostrum, observing that since the matter concerns women’s testimony, it would also be appropriate to hear their perspective on whether a woman’s testimony should be considered half or full.
The court appointed Saira Rajput and the female journalists as amici to assist the court and directed them to appear at the next hearing. Justice Shahid Waheed observed that the assisting participants would also present arguments at the next hearing.
Later, the court issued notices to the parties and sought their replies.