Weak prosecution: CJ seeks report on acquittal of terrorists

Chief justice takes notice of The Express Tribune Magazine report.

LAHORE:

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has taken notice of rampant acquittals in terrorism cases, as reported by The Express Tribune Magazine on August 5.

The story, titled ‘Shades of Grey’, explained in depth the reasons for acquittals in terrorism cases. It was based on a report compiled by the Punjab public prosecution department, counter-terrorism department and Punjab police, which has been sought by the Supreme Court.

The letter written by the SC registrar to the Punjab government specifically mentions the story and says that The Express Tribune has been able to obtain a copy of a special report prepared by the Punjab public prosecution department, counter-terrorism department and Police department explaining the reasons for failure of anti-terrorism cases in the courts.

The copy of the order of the CJ issued by the Registrar Supreme Court addressed to the Punjab home secretary and prosecutor general Punjab reads: “The report published in The Express Tribune’s Sunday magazine on August 5, 2012 placed before the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan who has been pleased to direct that a copy of the same be obtained from the government of the Punjab, so your are, therefore, requested to kindly furnish a copy of the subject report immediately.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2012.