The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday issued a significant order in the case concerning the application of terrorism charges against journalist Matiullah Jan, restraining the trial court from framing charges until further proceedings.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar heard the case and directed the Islamabad High Court to fix, at the earliest, the petition filed by Matiullah Jan seeking the removal of terrorism provisions and to decide the matter expeditiously.
During the hearing, the prosecution raised no objection to the court issuing directions to the high court.
The deputy prosecutor informed the bench that they had no reservations in this regard.
Justice Mazhar remarked that until the Islamabad High Court decides the matter, the trial court cannot proceed with framing charges against the journalist.
It is pertinent to note that Matiullah Jan had earlier filed an application before the trial court seeking the removal of terrorism charges.
Subsequently, he approached the Islamabad High Court after challenging the trial court’s decision. Advocate Qadeer Janjua appeared on behalf of Matiullah Jan during the hearing.