A three-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC), headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, on Tuesday postponed the hearing of appeals filed by human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha against their conviction in controversial tweets case for an indefinite time period, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The bench, however, said that in case of an emergency, parties to the case could file a petition for early hearing of the case.
The additional attorney general (AAG) said that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) was due to take up the case for hearing on July 24.
Faisal Siddiqui, Imaan’s counsel, said that people looked up to the apex court because it gave just decisions. “It was because of the prosecution that last time the hearing was adjourned,” he added.
Siddiqui reminded that in several cases, the SC had issued directives to high courts.
However, Justice Mazhar said that the SC could not regulate the proceedings of high courts. “There is a difference between regulating and giving orders,” he remarked.
The AAG said he wanted the apex court to monitor hearing of the case in the high court.
After the hearing was over, cake was cut outside the SC building to celebrate the birthday of Imaan Mazari.
Imaan’s mother Shireen Mazari was also present on the occasion.
Reporter: Amanat Gishkori