"I'm an extremely fearless person," remarked Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain during a hearing, according to Geo News. The courtroom exchange highlighted mounting tensions as the judge confronted the absence of the investigation officer and the missing case record in proceedings involving lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha.
According to Geo News, the hearing centered on a case concerning a security breach and interference in official duties. Expressing clear frustration over the delays, Judge Abul Hasnat stated that no one in the bar or legal fraternity could push him against the wall, maintaining that he knew how to balance his judicial decisions independently.
Background
According to Geo News, the proceedings faced immediate hurdles due to the non-production of the case record and the absence of the investigation officer, who was reported to be in Gilgit-Baltistan's Khaplu. During the arguments, lawyers Riyasat Ali and Aimal Mandokhail represented Mazari and Chattha, while prosecutor Naveed Kiyani was also present in the courtroom.
Geo News reported that the judge recalled his past judicial actions, including granting relief on surety bonds and handling various administrative warnings. When SP Khurram and DSP Naeem Yousaf appeared before the court to explain the investigation officer's whereabouts, the court responded by summoning the Islamabad inspector general of police (IGP) for the next hearing and issuing show-cause notices to the SP and DSP.
Why it matters
For ordinary citizens and litigants in Pakistan, delays in the production of case records and the absence of investigation officers often prolong legal uncertainties in courts. This hearing underscores the administrative friction between judicial authorities and law enforcement agencies when crucial documentation fails to reach the bench on time.
What's next
According to Geo News, the court has summoned the Islamabad inspector general of police for the upcoming hearing and issued show-cause notices to the SP and DSP.