SC takes up crucial legal battles in upcoming judicial week

Nine-member larger bench, led by CJP, to resume hearing Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court is set to kick off a significant judicial week commencing on Feb 26, with seven benches primed to handle crucial cases, including the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto judicial murder case.

The foremost bench, presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musrat Hilali, is set to tackle a slew of crucial cases throughout the week.

Justice Sardar Tariq Masood will preside over the second bench, composed of two members, to deliberate on a range of criminal cases.

Meanwhile, the third bench, helmed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, and a three-member bench under the leadership of Justice Muneeb Akhtar, are geared up for their respective hearings.

A noteworthy development is the establishment of a three-member bench led by Justice Yahya Afridi, dedicated to addressing paramount cases.

On Feb 26, the apex court will witness a pivotal moment as a nine-member larger bench, led by Chief Justice Isa, delves into the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference.

Tax cases are expected to take centre stage during the upcoming court week, emphasising the judiciary's commitment to addressing critical legal matters. The formation of specialised benches underscores the Supreme Court's dedication to ensuring justice and fairness in its proceedings.

In April 2011, former president Asif Ali Zardari, who is also Bhutto's son-in-law, filed a presidential reference seeking a review of a 44-year-old death sentence imposed on former prime minister Bhutto.

The original death penalty, decided by a seven-member SC bench in Feb 1979 with a 4-3 vote, had been executed in April 1979.

On Dec 23, 2023, more than 11 years later, CJP Isa, led a nine-member larger bench of the SC to review the presidential reference filed in April 2011, challenging the death sentence handed down to the late Bhutto.