ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court bench hearing petitions against trials of civilians in military courts dissolved for the second time on its third hearing after the government raised objections to the inclusion of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah in the bench.
During the third hearing of the petitions today, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan took to the rostrum and said: “Justice Mansoor Ali Shah had earlier asked if we had any objection to his presence on the bench. At that time, I had. He said he had no objection.
Justice Shah had earlier informed the court that he was a relative of petitioner Khawaja and would recuse himself if anyone had concerns about his inclusion in the bench.
On this, Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Awan said that he has no reservations about his inclusion in the bench.
However, today, the AGP submitted to the court that he had been “directed [by the government] that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah should not be part of the bench.”
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Atta Bandial took up the matter on the petition and remarked that the bench will not be formed on your will.
After that, he demanded to know on what basis the federal government has objected to Justice Mansoor.
The AGP replied that the objection was raised due to conflict of interest.
