Lockdown paralyses courts in twin cities

Strict security arrangements for expected US-Iran talks and a 15-day lockdown have paralysed the judicial system in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

For two weeks, accused persons have not been produced from Adiala Jail in session, civil, family, magistrate, anti-narcotics, NAB, and customs courts. With three weekly holidays - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - hearings in major and minor cases, including May 9 incidents, GHQ attack, terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, narcotics, robbery, and gang rape, have been stalled.

Around 50,000 cases have been adjourned without hearings and given long dates.

Bar associations in both cities requested courts not to issue adverse orders due to absence of lawyers and accused, which was accepted.

Previously scheduled Friday and Saturday hearings have been postponed for weeks. Lawyers noted that Saturdays were used to handle complex cases due to higher courts being closed, but additional holidays have worsened delays.

Family and civil cases are now being given dates two months later, causing distress among litigants, especially women. Lawyers demanded an end to lockdown and restoration of court proceedings.

They said no accused has been presented from jail in 15 days, leaving judges unable to proceed.

With three weekly holidays, public confidence in the judicial system is eroding. They stressed that accused brought in handcuffs pose no security threat and should be produced in court.

The holidays have also disrupted meetings between separated parents and children, usually held on Fridays and Saturdays.

Working individuals cannot attend courts on weekdays, further complicating matters.