Error prompts SC to reassign Arshad Sharif case

Next hearing's scheduling will depend on judges' availability for the larger bench

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court has referred the suo motu notice concerning the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif to a three-member committee for the formation of a larger bench for further proceedings.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, head of the current three-member bench, clarified that the case had been mistakenly scheduled before his bench.

During the hearing on Monday, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah clarified that the case was initially under the consideration of a five-member larger bench, and it appeared that the relevant office had erroneously scheduled it before the three-member bench.

He stressed that this matter had never been intended for review by a three-member committee.

Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan informed the court that a draft for mutual legal assistance had been prepared and would be approved in the upcoming cabinet meeting.

He also noted that a decision had been received from the Kenyan court regarding the case.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah stated that the current three-member bench could not hear arguments on the merits of the case.

Advocate Shaukat Siddiqui, representing the deceased's family, mentioned that a petition had previously been filed on behalf of Arshad Sharif's family, but it was dismissed by the larger bench as non-maintainable.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah acknowledged the importance of the matter and agreed that it should be heard.

Advocate Shaukat Siddiqui requested the scheduling of the case, prompting Justice Mansoor Ali Shah to direct the matter to the three-member committee to arrange for a larger bench.

The scheduling of the next hearing will depend on the availability of judges for the larger bench.