SC knocks down IHC order on Lakhvi release

Published January 7, 2015
Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi - DawnNews screengrab
Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi - DawnNews screengrab

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) order regarding the release of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the alleged mastermind of the Mumbai attacks in 2008.

The case has been remanded back to the IHC on the ground that the decision of Lakhvi's release was rushed. The apex court maintained that the high court must hear the arguments of both parties — Lakhvi and the federal government — with sufficient time.

Take a look at: SC restrains magistrate from deciding Lakhvi bail plea

The case will be heard again on Monday next week at the Islamabad High Court.

Yesterday, the Islamabad High Court issued notices to Lakhvi on the appeal filed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), seeking cancellation of bail granted to him by the ATC in the Mumbai attacks case.

Also read: IHC orders conditional release of Mumbai attacks mastermind

The court also issued notices to Lakhvi to answer the contention in the government’s appeal, to be served upon him through the Adiala Jail superintendent, where the accused is currently detained. The court issued the notice with the observation that since there was also an IHC order in favour of Lakhvi, the court was also cognizant of the requirements of the fundamental rights of its citizens.

“We will be lost if we deviate from the constitution,” Justice Khawaja observed.

Opinion

Editorial

Punishing evaders
02 May, 2024

Punishing evaders

THE FBR’s decision to block mobile phone connections of more than half a million individuals who did not file...
Engaging Riyadh
Updated 02 May, 2024

Engaging Riyadh

It must be stressed that to pull in maximum foreign investment, a climate of domestic political stability is crucial.
Freedom to question
02 May, 2024

Freedom to question

WITH frequently suspended freedoms, increasing violence and few to speak out for the oppressed, it is unlikely that...
Wheat protests
Updated 01 May, 2024

Wheat protests

The government should withdraw from the wheat trade gradually, replacing the existing market support mechanism with an effective new one over the next several years.
Polio drive
01 May, 2024

Polio drive

THE year’s fourth polio drive has kicked off across Pakistan, with the aim to immunise more than 24m children ...
Workers’ struggle
Updated 01 May, 2024

Workers’ struggle

Yet the struggle to secure a living wage — and decent working conditions — for the toiling masses must continue.