Chief Justice Isa apologises for 'delayed justice'

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has tendered an apology to the parties concerned for the delay in the delivery of justice, as the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court issued a verdict on a 27-year-old murder case.

A five-member Shariat Appellate Bench led by the top judge heard the appeal of murder accused Muhammad Akram and ordered his release on the basis of an out-of-court settlement.

The petitioner's counsel informed the court that an agreement had been reached between the accused and the heirs of the deceased, adding that Akram had already served other sentences.

After hearing the arguments, the apex court in its order stated that Akram, a resident of district Khanewal, was arrested on April 13, 1997 in a murder case. It noted that an agreement was reached between the accused and heirs of the deceased in 2018, however, adequate support was not provided in the court.

The chief justice in conversation with the lawyer of the accused tendered an apology for the delay in the delivery of justice.

The top judge highlighted that rulings on acquittals, both supporting and opposing out-of-court settlements, had been issued. He stated that the underlying principle would be addressed in a future case.