Bushra Siddiqui

The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on the 1979 death sentence review for Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The Chief Justice, Qazi Faez Isa, led a nine-member bench, broadcasting the live proceedings. Chief Justice Isa expressed regret for the delayed case listing, citing a new policy of prioritizing cases in a “first in, first out” manner, unless urgency dictates otherwise.

Esteemed justices, including Sardar Tariq Masood, Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Yahya Afridi, Amin-ud-Din Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, and Musarrat Hilali, will reconvene in January 2024 for further deliberations.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and former President Asif Ali Zardari attended the court. The judge directed Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan to orally present the contents of the presidential reference during the hearing.

Zardari, following federal cabinet advice, filed the reference, emphasizing its non-withdrawal by any president to date.

Chief Justice Isa expressed regret for the delayed case listing, citing a new policy of prioritizing cases in a “first in, first out” manner, unless urgency dictates otherwise.

Outside the court, PPP’s Sherry Rehman highlighted the day’s importance, stating, “Everyone knows today how important a day this is for PPP, and after many years, this day has come.”

Post-hearing, Bilawal addressed the media, expressing gratitude to the judges, demanding justice for Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and asserting the need for the nation to be informed of Bhutto’s innocence while emphasizing the removal of any stain on the judiciary.