Police officers walk past the Supreme Court of Pakistan building in Islamabad, Pakistan April 6, 2022. REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
The Shariat Appellate Body of the Supreme Court on Thursday heard an important constitutional and religious interpretation case on the evidentiary status of women’s testimony in trials.
The five-member bench, headed by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, issued notices to the federation and provincial governments seeking their formal response, noting that the issue has both legal and social significance.
The bench examined the legal, religious and procedural dimensions of the case. It emphasized that a clear and reasoned decision was required so that future disputes could be addressed with certainty under constitutional and Islamic legal principles.
Sitting on the bench, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan observed during the hearing that guidance regarding women’s testimony is available in the Holy Quran, particularly with reference to verses in Surah Al-Baqarah which outline the circumstances under which women’s testimony is accepted.
The lawyer representing the petitioner informed the court that the women who had originally filed the petition had passed away, prompting the court to consider how best to proceed with the legal matter.
Justice Mandokhail noted that the court intended to continue hearing the case to arrive at a final decision on the sensitive legal and religious issue. The bench summoned Saira Rajput, financial secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, to assist the case.
The judge also invited female journalists present in the courtroom to address the lectern, suggesting that since the case directly concerns women’s testimony, their perspective could contribute meaningfully to the discussion.
The court asked whether a woman’s testimony should be treated as half or full in legal matters, noting that the dispute revolves around interpretation rather than social value. Judge Shahid Waheed observed that all the assisting participants must appear during the next hearing.
Justice Waheed also asked all the assisting participants to present relevant arguments. The bench later issued notices to all the parties concerned and directed them to submit detailed replies before the subsequent proceedings. (WITH ACCESS FROM APP)
