The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered all trial courts to wrap up cases related to the May 9 Incident within four months. This directive came on Tuesday during a hearing of bail cancellation appeals. A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, issued the instructions while reviewing the slow progress in politically charged cases.
According to Express News, the court is determined to fast-track trials linked to the May 9 Incident. Justice Afridi stated that delays must end. He referred to the Mashal Khan case as an example, saying that trial was completed in just three months when he was Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court. He stressed that anti-terrorism courts are fully capable of timely proceedings.
One of the defence lawyers expressed concern over the strict timeline. He pointed out that his client was facing 35 different cases. But the Chief Justice stood firm and reminded the court that justice delayed is justice denied.
This is not the first time the top court has pushed for speed in sensitive matters. A day earlier, the Supreme Court had issued similar instructions in bail-related appeals filed by the Punjab government. In that hearing, the court also directed lower courts to deliver verdicts within three months.
The new directive reflects the judiciary’s resolve to handle the May 9 Incident cases swiftly and efficiently. The goal is to restore public confidence in the legal process and reduce political tensions surrounding these trials.
In a related development, the Supreme Court had earlier announced the formation of a five-member Constitutional Bench. This bench will take up petitions filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan and others. The petitions call for a judicial inquiry into the violent events of May 9, 2023, and also seek a probe into alleged election rigging during the last general polls.
Justice Aminuddin Khan is leading the bench that will hear both petitions. Imran Khan had submitted the request for a judicial investigation into the May 9 Incident in December last year. Another petition, filed by Imran and PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat in February 2024, demands an investigation into the alleged manipulation of election results.
The Supreme Court’s recent actions show a clear intent to fast-track both the prosecution and legal inquiries related to the May 9 Incident. With political stakes high, the spotlight is once again on the judiciary’s ability to deliver timely justice.
