ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court adjourned on Thursday till the first week of February hearing of an APNS petition challenging the Seventh Wage Board award for newspaper employees , on a request from APNS counsel Abdul Hafeez Pirzada.

The bench comprised Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, Justice Rana Bhagwandas and Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan. During Thursday's hearing, Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry observed: "Let the entire world hear that we have not stayed the implementation of the Seventh Wage Board award and it is to be implemented so long (as it is) in the field."

Senior Advocate Akram Sheikh represented the newspaper employees. Mr Pirzada had sought adjournment saying he would be out of the country because of family commitments during the intervening period. He also said he would need three days to complete his arguments.

The court told Mr Akram Sheikh that it had not issued any notice to the respondents and, therefore, he could not be heard now, adding that the court had not even admitted the review petition.