The Supreme Court has dismissed former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry’s request to suspend ongoing trial proceedings in multiple cases, advising him instead to approach the Lahore High Court for relief.
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, heading the bench, repeatedly emphasized judicial functionality during the hearing, remarking, “Be thankful the courts are functioning.”
The court directed Fawad to seek the consolidation of all May 9-related cases through the Lahore High Court, noting that legal proceedings should not infringe upon the rights of any party. Both Fawad Chaudhry and Special Prosecutor Zulfiqar Naqvi were summoned to the chief justice’s chamber during the hearing, where the same sentiment about the importance of judicial operation was reiterated.
Chief Justice Afridi also pointed out that as cases are spread across various districts, many petitioners — including Fawad — are already benefiting from exemptions granted by the Lahore High Court.
However, Special Prosecutor Naqvi objected, arguing that the High Court had dismissed the case on technical grounds without addressing its merits and failed to issue a speaking order regarding the Registrar’s Office’s objections. In response, the Supreme Court maintained that such matters must be resolved at the High Court level.
Fawad’s plea to pause trial proceedings until a final decision was made was also turned down, with the court stating that granting such a stay falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Fawad further complained that his trial hearings often continued past midnight, to which the chief justice again responded, “Be thankful the courts are functioning.”
Chief Justice Afridi concluded that any Supreme Court ruling could potentially affect both parties and reiterated that the High Court is the appropriate forum for the matter.