HYDERABAD, May 6: Advocate General Sindh, Raja Qureshi has accused the defence side in the Daniel Pearl’s case of adopting delaying tactics to prolong the trial.

Talking to Dawn on Monday, he pointed out that no substantial progress could be made in the case as the defence sought an adjournment on the pretext of moving the apex court against the order of Sindh High Court.

He said that now two advocates had been appointed by the court for the ‘pauper’ accused so that they could be represented on May 8, in the event their lawyer, Rai Basheer, did not turn-up in the court.

About adjournment of case for May 8, given the fact that the Supreme Court is set to hear the appeal on May 9, he said that the law under ATA prescribed that no adjournment could be granted for more than two days. He observed that the presiding judge had acted within the provisions of law.

Raja Qureshi maintained that the accused did not have a choice to choose a forum for their trial, and same is the case with the venue of trial which is to be notified by the government under Section 15 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

He said that though he would appear before the apex court, but the rest of the members of his team would proceed with the trial in Hyderabad in order to honour the law and wrap-up the case within seven days.

He claimed that the defence side had agreed before the division bench of the Sindh High Court to proceed with the case on May 3, but when the trial was to commence here they claimed that in fact the case was fixed for May 6 by the predecessor of incumbent presiding officer of the court.

Again, he stated, on May 6 they told the court about filing of their criminal appeal, challenging Sindh High Court’s order.

He was of the view that all these attempts were aimed at reaching a stage where boycott of the proceedings would be opted by the accused.

He remarked that the accused had made the body disappear which was the incriminating evidence under Section 201 PPC. He said that in the case of Javed Iqbal, serial killer of 100 children, no body was found, but he was convicted and sentenced to death.

He hoped that the case would proceed on May 8, even if Rai Basheer did not attend the court.

To a question what would be the status if the ‘pauper’ accused expressed their ‘no confidence’ in lawyers, appointed on state expenses, Raja Qureshi said that it was upto them.

About meeting of detenues’ relatives, he said that it would be regulated as per the jail manual.

Only blood relatives are allowed to hold meeting with the detenues, he added.