The recent Toshakhana reference trial involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, has raised eyebrows due to its unprecedented speed.
In mere one month and 12 days, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) completed the trial, leading to a 14-year imprisonment sentence for the prominent political figure.
This swift legal process stands in stark contrast to the agonizingly slow progress of the murder cases of Noor Mukadam and Sarah Inam, shedding light on the shortcomings of the judicial system in Pakistan.
Speedy verdict raises concerns
The Toshakhana reference trial against Imran Khan is hailed as the fastest in the history of the National Accountability Bureau. Critics argue that the unprecedented speed may compromise the thoroughness and fairness of the proceedings.
In comparison, other high-profile cases, such as the Avenfield, Al-Azizia, and Flagship references against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, took approximately 10 months to conclude.
Imran Khan’s multiple convictions, including a 10-year sentence in the cipher case have ignited controversy. The trials have been marred by claims of unlawful procedures, with allegations that Khan’s legal team was denied the opportunity to adequately represent him, raising concerns about the impartiality of the legal process.
Justice delayed is justice denied
The brutal murders of Noor Mukadam and Sarah Inam shocked the nation, prompting their fathers to seek timely justice. Despite the apparent openness and straightforward nature of the cases, the legal proceedings have been protracted and emotionally draining for the victims’ families.
Noor Mukadam’s case, in particular, was initially deemed an open-and-shut case, resulting in a death sentence for the accused, Zahir Jaffer, in February of the previous year. However, the case was then sent to the Islamabad High Court, where Jaffer was again sentenced to death, prolonging the legal battle. Noor’s father passionately pleaded for the Supreme Court to expedite the case, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public confidence in the justice system.
Similarly, the case of Sarah Inam, a 37-year-old Canadian national and successful economist, faced delays and complications. Her father, Inam-ur-Rahim, expressed dismay at the unexpected tragedy that befell their family and highlighted the questionable behavior of the accused, Shahnawaz Amir. The slow progress of the trial, marked by the opposing counsel’s attempts to prolong proceedings, further underscores the need for a swift and just legal system.
Call for judicial reform
The glaring contrast between the rapid Toshakhana reference trial and the agonizingly slow proceedings in the murder cases of Noor Mukadam and Sarah Inam raises questions about the fairness and independence of the Pakistani judicial system.
The cry for a more equitable and responsive legal system is now more urgent than ever, prompting us to ponder: is it truly justice or merely selective justice?
