The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday extended the duration of the court order to delay the execution of five former Pakistan Navy officers, who had been awarded death sentences after they were court-martialled, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Hearing the petition filed by the convicts, IHC judge Justice Babar Sattar said he wanted to know why the ex-Navy officers were handed down death penalties. “Please tell me the reasons,” he said, adding, “Let me make it clear to you that the matter cannot be kept secret.”
In their petition, the convicts namely Arsalan Nazir Satti, Muhammad Hammad, Muhammad Tahir Rasheed, Hammad Ahmad Khan and Irfanullah said that they were not allowed to hire the services of lawyers.
They further said that proofs and the documents of the Court of Inquiry were not shared with them either and when they appealed the military court’s verdict, saying that the documents had not been provided to them, it was rejected as well.
However, in a report submitted to the court, the Pakistan Navy said that proceedings of the court-martial could not be shared.
Justice Sattar asked the Navy’s lawyer whether he wanted him to give a ruling in the case.
The lawyer requested the judge to give him time so that he could receive instructions from the navy officials.
Accepting his request, the court adjourned the hearing.
Reporter: Ihtesham Kiani