SC issues notice to Centre in Shahbaz Gill’s torture plea

Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan asked PTI to approach the relevant forum against allegations of torture.
Gill’s lawyer reprimanded for being ignorant of the procedure and purpose of physical remand.
The hearing was adjourned indefinitely while ordering the IO to produce the case record.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) on Friday issued a notice to the federal government in a case related to the physical remand of senior PTI leader Shehbaz Gul in a treason case and torture charges.

PTI had accused Gill of torture and sexual assault during physical remand in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi. The party claimed that Gill was subjected to torture and ill-treatment during detention and demanded an inquiry into the matter.

Gill was in police custody since then. Arrest In the mutiny trial, on August 9, he was accused of inciting a mutiny in the ranks of the army. However, it was granted Bail Yesterday (Thursday) the Islamabad High Court requested his release on bail after several attempts.

Today’s hearing

At the commencement of the hearing of PTI’s plea by a three-member bench headed by Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan, Gul’s lawyer Salman Safdar argued that the court had exceeded its authority to hear his client.

He said that there is no example of violence against Shahbaz Gul.

Justice Mazahar Akbar Naqvi inquired what is the basis of the case against Gul and what did he say?

In reply to the question, Safdar said that Gill made a speech for which he was charged under 13 sections.

On this, Justice Naqvi corrected him by saying that this speech was not made by Gul. Remarks While giving an interview to a private TV channel, he also reprimanded the lawyer for being ignorant of the procedure and purpose of physical remand.

‘Allegations of violence should be referred to the appropriate forum’

Justice inquired whether PTI has approached the relevant forum against the alleged torture on Gill.

“You must refer to the relevant forum. What prevented you from doing so?” Justice asked.

“Shehbaz Gul’s remand in police custody was the most controversial remand in the country’s history,” Safdar said, adding that a judge even said in the order that marks of torture were found on Gul’s body.

On this, Justice Naqvi asked whether the judge will appear in the court as a witness.

“Does the Criminal Code apply to the Supreme Court?” Justice Naqvi asked the question. To this, Gill’s lawyer gave a positive reply.

“Mashallah lawyer sirthe Criminal Code does not apply to the Supreme Court,” Justice Naqvi quipped.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing indefinitely, directing the investigating officer to appear before the court with the case record.