AG seeks time to submit report in AJK protest cases

IHC bars petitioners' lawyer from making statements of political nature

ISLAMBAD:

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday adjourned until Aug 19 the hearing of petitions seeking dismissal of cases registered over protests concerning the situation in Azad Kashmir.

Justice Khadim Hussain Somroo expressed displeasure at the counsel for the petitioners over a political argument and remarked that the court should not be turned into a street. He said lawyers were respected because of the court and warned the lawyer to remain silent or face action.

A division bench comprising Justice Khadim Somroo and Justice Mohammad Asif heard the petitions.

Advocate General Islamabad Naveed Hayat Malik argued that the accused were arrested on Aug 3 and produced before the court on Aug 4. He said 500 people had been nominated in the case.

Justice Khadim Somroo asked whether any police official had been injured. The investigating officer replied that no police official had been injured.

The court then asked what had been taken away during the incident. The investigating officer said shields had been snatched and a private television channel's vehicle had been damaged.

In response to a question from the court, the investigating officer said the site plan of the incident, along with other material, had been prepared.

The Advocate General Islamabad sought time to submit the report, saying that the case was still at an initial stage and that a petition seeking dismissal of the case had already been filed.

Justice Mohammad Asif remarked that the authorities had put children in jail and should show some consideration, adding that they were "our own children".

The counsel for the petitioners argued that protests had taken place around the world but no cases had been registered there, whereas a criminal case had been registered in Pakistan. He said the protesters should not be considered members of the PTI or any other political party.

Justice Khadim Hussain Somroo expressed displeasure and told the lawyer not to make political arguments in court.