In the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto reference case, the Supreme Court of Pakistan delivered its opinion, highlighting that Bhutto was deprived of a fair trial.
Headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, a 9-member larger bench unanimously expressed that the trial lacked transparency, emphasizing the importance of judicial accountability and recognition of past errors. The judiciary’s integrity hinges on acknowledging such shortcomings.
The reference, initiated during Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, wasn’t withdrawn by subsequent governments, and fundamental rights weren’t upheld during Bhutto’s trial in the Lahore High Court and subsequent appeal in the Supreme Court.
Justice Isa noted that while the Supreme Court couldn’t re-examine evidence, it deemed Bhutto’s trial unconstitutional, stressing his right to a fair trial was violated. The Court refrained from opining on whether the punishment aligned with Islamic teachings, citing lack of support for the question.
Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s presence in the courtroom underscored the significance of the Supreme Court’s verdict, prompting widespread attention and anticipation for further details to be disclosed.
