The hearing on the presidential reference against Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s death sentence — termed it judicial murder — has been adjourned till tomorrow (Tuesday).
Court Assistant Barrister Salahuddin cited interview of the Naseem Hasan Shah to senior journalist Iftikhar Ahmed said; “Judge admitted in the interview that the Chief Justice had enmity with Bhutto.”
“Naseem Hasan Shah said the sentence could have been reduced but Bhutto's lawyer made him angry,” Barrister Salauddin said.
“Should a judge in a death penalty case punish the lawyer's conduct,” questioned Barrister Salauddin.
“Lawyer’s conduct cannot be punished to his client,” CJP Qazi Faez Isa.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa said: “Tomorrow we will hear the criminal side of the matter.” Aitzaz Ahsan also appeared in the court as an assistant
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa inquired Aitzaz Ahsan said why he was not coming earlier. “Someone had given a statement on your behalf that you will not appear,” Justice Yahya Afridi said. “If there is no objection, I will listen to Aitzaz Ahsan,” CJP Qazi said.
“Tomorrow the Judicial Assistant will hear Manzoor Malik,” CJP Qazi said. “Let me be hear by Bilawal Bhutto first from the criminal aspect,” Farooq Naik advocate said.
“I requested to be a party on behalf of Bilawal Bhutto. I am not related to the President of the State,” Farooq H. Naik advocate said.
Order of today’s hearing
"Judicial assistants Khalid Javed and Salahuddin completed the arguments. Further hearing on the reference will be held at 11:30 tomorrow,” the order reads.
