Former federal minister Sheikh Rashid on Saturday appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take up the pending appeals of accused persons in the May 9 cases, saying that prolonged delays were denying justice to those involved.
Speaking to the media outside the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, Sheikh Rashid said he had appeared before the court again for attendance, adding that his presence had been recorded and the judge would now fix the next date of hearing.
Referring to the May 9 incidents, Sheikh Rashid maintained that he was not in Pakistan at the time the cases occurred.
He reiterated his “heartfelt appeal” to the Chief Justice, urging that the appeals of the accused be heard without further delay, noting that a significant amount of time had passed without any progress.
Sheikh Rashid said timely hearings were essential to ensure justice, warning that continued delays were compounding the hardships faced by families of the accused.
He added that rising inflation and unemployment had already placed severe financial pressure on households, and the unresolved cases had further worsened the problems of affected families.
