Swift proceedings ordered in blasphemy case

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday ordered the Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to ensure that all prosecution witnesses in a blasphemy case are produced before the trial court on October 8, and that cross-examination by counsel is concluded on the same day.

The court also instructed a Member of the Inspection Team (MIT) to visit the trial court and submit a report, posing the question: "Why are the courts not functioning?" The MIT Committee has been tasked with inspecting trial courts and reporting on the causes of delays in judicial proceedings.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani was presiding over the bail hearing of Hasan Abid, who has remained in custody for over 18 months in connection with the case.

The court noted that it had previously directed the conclusion of the trial within six months, later extending this timeframe by a further eight months, which is now approaching its end.

The court ordered that the NCCIA DG ensure the IO appears before the trial court on October 8.