The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard a bail plea filed by a woman accused of applying for a US visa using forged documents, during which Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked that women are held in high regard in Pakistani society, but a woman must also exercise caution to safeguard her own dignity. Justice Mandokhail observed that since the woman’s name had surfaced in the matter, the court was issuing notices. During the hearing, Justice Musarrat Hilali also commented that a woman has to ensure respect for herself. Counsel for the accused informed the court that a total of 20 individuals had applied for US visas, out of which action was taken against six persons after their documents were found to be forged. The lawyer further submitted that the accused is a retired government employee and was travelling abroad as a trainer. The court issued notices to the parties on the bail application and adjourned further hearing for an indefinite period.
Supreme Court rejects bail plea of murder accused
The Supreme Court rejected the bail application of murder accused Akhtar Ali. During the hearing, the state counsel informed the court about the accused’s medical condition. Referring to the medical report, Justice Musarrat Hilali observed that the accused was completely fit and in good health. Counsel for the petitioner argued that the accused was riding a motorcycle when the opposing party opened fire on them. The state counsel clarified that it was a case of “cross-firing.” The court was informed that a passerby named Shahzaib was killed during the crossfire. Justice Musarrat Hilali remarked that the young man had been married just two days earlier and said that instead of harming each other, the accused ended up killing an innocent youth. Justice Jamal Mandokhail raised questions regarding the police investigation and asked whether the deceased was killed by gunfire. The state counsel replied that the police investigation had not linked any accused directly to the murder. Justice Mandokhail observed that if the killer had not been identified, the case required further investigation. Police officials told the court that a dispute had erupted between the two parties over taking along transgender persons, during which two people from each side were injured. Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked that bail could have been considered if the accused had raised grounds other than medical issues. Justice Musarrat Hilali added that the medical report contradicted the accused’s stance; therefore, bail could not be granted.