Roadblocks disrupt court proceedings

Sources say suspects could not be transported from jail

RAWALPINDI:

Due to the road closures and police deployment during the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad, 560 cases scheduled for hearing in Rawalpindi courts on Friday were postponed as the accused could not be transported from jail.

According to the sources, the security personnel responsible for escorting the accused to court were reassigned to manage the protest, leading to a suspension of court proceedings.

As a result, hearings across the District Court Judicial Complex were adjourned and the complex became deserted by 10am. The road blockages also prevented plaintiffs and other accused from attending court.

Few lawyers appeared at the courts, leaving most courtrooms empty by 11am. It is anticipated that court activity will remain minimal on Saturday (today).

Despite the disruption, District Sessions Civil, Family Magistrate, and Special Courts managed to issue physical remands for 35 recently arrested individuals and sent 16 to Adiala Jail on judicial remand.

Two women were allowed to return home from a shelter, while the salaries of four policemen were withheld for failure to appear.

Arrest warrants were issued for nine individuals, and two were declared proclaimed offenders. In family cases involving four women, the courts summoned their husbands.

The court has rescheduled hearings for all affected cases due to the protest-related disruptions.