The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the trial leading to the execution of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1979 did not adhere to the principles of a fair trial and due process. Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, headed a nine-judge bench that announced its opinion on the long-pending presidential reference questioning whether the verdict could be revisited.
The proceedings were broadcast live on the Supreme Court’s website and YouTube channel. The reference, filed in April 2011 on behalf of former president Asif Ali Zardari, sought the Court’s opinion on revisiting the death sentence of the PPP founder.
Chief Justice Isa stated that the trial and appeal proceedings did not meet the requirements of a fair trial and due process as guaranteed by the Constitution. The Court acknowledged past mistakes in administering justice and emphasized the importance of self-accountability in ensuring justice with integrity.
Although the Court voiced its opinion, it ruled that Bhutto’s death sentence could not be changed due to constitutional restrictions. The detailed opinion will be issued later. Bhutto’s grandson, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, expressed gratitude for the decision and hoped it would lead Pakistan towards progress and justice.
The historic decision comes after years of legal battle and public perception of injustice. The Court’s ruling was seen as a step towards restoring faith in the judiciary. The case dates back to 1979 when Bhutto was sentenced to death during the military rule of General Ziaul Haq.
The Court’s decision was met with mixed reactions from the public and political leaders. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, clad in traditional attire, thanked the judges for their decision and hoped it would pave the way for a more just system in Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of correcting past mistakes to move forward.
As the legal battle continues, more updates are expected to follow on this landmark case.