Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge said Tuesday that state institutions in Pakistan are currently under the influence of “other powers” expressing concern about the lack of accountability and cooperation in judicial affairs, Express News reported Tuesday.
The comments were made by Judge Tahir Abbas Supra under a bail hearing for Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) legislator Ali Shah. The judge criticized the prosecution for not presenting the required case item and questioned whether it was a deliberate act.
“All departments seem to be in the hands of some other powers right now,” Judge Supra noted, hinting at interference in state affairs.
When the prosecutor stated the court that the investigative (IO) was in Mandi Bahauddin and had not returned, the judge questioned the prosecutor’s understanding of its responsibility.
“Today, I do not understand the actual responsibility for the prosecution,” he said. “If the Investigation Officer does not appear if the responsibility is that?”
The prosecutor replied that their duty to submit the case record only begins after they have officially received it. In response, Judge Supra expressed frustration at what he described as “stubbornness” of the prosecutors of Islamabad, who he said “consider himself to be judges.”
He warned that further delays in the submission of the Case Register could result in issues of the prosecution.
“We all go through an unusual situation,” Judge Supra added, criticizing government status and emphasized the role of officials to ensure justice.
The consultation was postponed until Tuesday to allow the investigator to present the necessary documents.
