SFB Seeks Early Hearing of Appeals in Civilians’ Military Trial Case
The Shuhada Forum Balochistan (SFB) filed an application in the Supreme Court on Monday, requesting the early scheduling of intra-court appeals (ICAs) against last October’s five-judge order, which nullified the trial of civilians by military courts in connection with the May 9 violence case.
The SFB urged the court to hear the ICAs in the final week of November, noting that the constitutional bench was active and no procedural barriers existed for scheduling the case.
On July 11, an SC bench directed the government to ensure compliance with earlier orders regarding provisions of food to detainees and their weekly family meetings.
In its fresh application, the SFB informed the court that 103 accused individuals remain in custody, with 20 released before Eid. The application argued that delaying the ICAs effectively results in prolonged incarceration without determining the accused’s guilt or innocence, violating their fundamental rights.
Election Disputes from Balochistan
Separately, the Supreme Court will begin hearing three election disputes from Balochistan on November 21, involving appeals against election tribunal decisions. These cases concern alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections.
- PB-28 Kech: Himal Khan has challenged the tribunal’s decision.
- PB-44 and PB-45 Quetta: Obaidullah and Ali Madad Jattak have filed appeals against the tribunal rulings.
Additionally, a seven-judge constitutional bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, dismissed a petition seeking to declare candidates with over 50% of votes as automatically successful. The bench imposed a Rs. 20,000 fine on petitioner Maulvi Iqbal Haider, stating the matter was already settled and the petition had become irrelevant.
