SC’s Justice Afghan says court will not be influenced by social media

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan of the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday said that the bench would not be influenced by what was posted on social media, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.  

During the hearing of intra-court appeals filed against declaring the trial of civilians in military courts null and void, Justice Musarrat Hilali said that there was content against her on social media. “I want to respond to my critics. But my post does not permit me to do that.”

A seven-member bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the appeals. 

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel said the second pious Caliph of Islam Hazrat Umar (RA) was not only the head of the government but also of the judiciary. “There was no separation between two pillars of the state in his times,” the judge added.  

Justice Aminuddin Khan said that the bench had to give the decision in the case in the light of the constitution. 

Salman Akram Raja, counsel for a May 9 convict, said he was still sticking to his arguments. 

Justice Amin replied that the judges asked questions to understand the case under review from different angles. “We may agree with your arguments.” Advocate Latif Khosa said the importance of the case was so great that the entire nation was awaiting the SC’s decision. “The apex court is under trial,” he opined.

Disagreeing with him, Justice Amin said that the court was not under trial.  

Khosa said that the constitution safeguarded fundamental human rights. “Section 2D cannot be retained,” he argued.  

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori