Muharram curbs disrupt court operations

RAWALPINDI:

Regular court proceedings remained suspended from Muharram 7 to Muharram 11 after undertrial prisoners lodged at Adiala Jail were not transported to courts owing to extensive security arrangements for Muharram processions and religious gatherings.

The suspension affected hearings in district courts as well as special courts in both cities, with the absence of accused persons causing routine proceedings to be adjourned.

On Muharram 11, major Zuljinah processions were held at Choha Khalsa Darbar Shah Pyara in Rawalpindi and Bari Imam in Islamabad. A large police contingent was deployed to ensure security, prompting authorities to suspend the transfer of prisoners from Adiala Jail to the courts.