Supreme Court adjourns life sentence appeal until next week

The Supreme Court has expressed displeasure over the lack of preparation by the counsel representing a murder convict who challenged his life

The Supreme Court has expressed displeasure over the lack of preparation by the counsel representing a murder convict who challenged his life imprisonment, and adjourned the hearing until next week to allow the lawyer time to prepare the case.

A bench of the Supreme Court was hearing the appeal filed by the accused against his life sentence when the court questioned the lawyer’s preparedness and expressed concern over the manner in which the case was being pursued.

During his arguments, the counsel for the convict highlighted his client’s poor health, telling the court that Panhal was seriously ill and experiencing severe breathing difficulties. He claimed that the accused could die at any time due to his deteriorating condition.

Responding to the lawyer’s submission, Justice Shahid Waheed told him to focus on the main case instead of relying primarily on the accused’s medical condition.

“You should argue the main case; we will decide it,” Justice Waheed remarked.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan also expressed displeasure with the lawyer’s lack of preparation. He observed that the case had not been properly prepared and that the lawyer appeared to be making efforts mainly to secure the accused’s release on bail.

“The case has not been prepared. All the effort is focused on getting bail,” Justice Afghan remarked.

The judge further pointed out shortcomings in the preparation of the paper books, saying that they had not been properly compiled either.

The court gave the defence counsel additional time to prepare his arguments and adjourned the hearing until next week.

The Supreme Court will take up the appeal again after the lawyer has had an opportunity to properly prepare the case and address the legal issues surrounding the convict’s life sentence.