SC hears several cases via video link

Three-member bench in Islamabad disposes of matters pending at Lahore, Peshawar registries

ISLAMABAD: A three-member bench of the Supreme Court in Islamabad on Friday concurrently heard several pending cases at the top court’s Lahore and Peshawar registries through video link.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa observed that the use of technology was cost-effective and saved litigants’ money. “The Supreme Court will hopefully set up a permanent bench for hearing cases through video link,” he added.

Chairing a three-member bench, the CJP said that it was an achievement that the top court was simultaneously attending to various cases.

“We proposed a new thing and now that idea is successful within months,” the CJP remarked. “The use of technology will save people’s money and lawyers will have the facility to represent themselves in cases at the principal seat and at other registries at the same time,” he added.

“The bench will uninterruptedly hear cases pending at various registries throughout the week.”

The CJP’s remarks came while hearing a plea filed against a bail petition submitted on behalf of a murder case suspect, Muhammad Afzal. The CJP said four people suffered over 20 injuries and the murder appeared to be a result of self-defence.

The court, giving the benefit of doubt to the suspect, approved the bail. The suspect was handed down the death penalty in 2011, a decision that was overturned by a high court over lack of evidence. The incident took place in 2002.