ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has accepted a petition seeking suspension of the sentence of a convict in a blasphemy case, who had five months and 25 days of his sentence remaining.
The court granted him bail against surety bonds of Rs100,000 and ordered his release. The main appeals against the convictions have been fixed for hearing after two weeks.
During the hearing, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan remarked that while hearing the blasphemy case, he felt that someone might come, shoot him and leave.
“One sits on this bench without any fear. Due to fear, no judge hears these appeals. If I could hear them alone, I would,” he remarked.
A division bench comprising Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan and Justice Khadim Soomro heard petitions seeking suspension of the sentences of convicted persons and their main appeals against the convictions.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq remarked that if he responded, another reference would be filed against him.
He further observed that the state was being hypocritical, as it did not provide protection to judges and witnesses.
“How many judges have lost their lives? Everyone knows why these appeals have not been fixed for hearing for years,” he remarked.
After the bench dictated its order suspending the convict’s sentence, the complainant in the case raised an objection, saying he regretted not being given an opportunity to speak.
“I am the complainant in this case,” he said.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq observed that a judge’s decision could be disagreed with, but a legal forum was available if anyone had a complaint against a judge.
“Go and file another reference against me,” he remarked. The court suspended the convict’s sentence, directed that the main appeals be fixed for hearing after two weeks and adjourned the proceedings.
