Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi remarked that the Supreme Court will issue a one-time order directing that all May 9-related trial proceedings be completed within four months.

The court also dismissed the appeal against former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser’s bail after it was withdrawn.

A three-member bench headed by CJP Yahya Afridi heard various petitions related to the May 9 events. During the hearing on Senator Ejaz Chaudhry’s bail petition, the court issued a notice to the Punjab government and adjourned the hearing until Thursday.

The court granted interim bail to Farhat Abbas and extended the interim bail of Imtiaz Shaikh until Thursday as well.

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During the hearing of the petition seeking the cancellation of Muhammad Faheem Qaiser’s bail, lawyer Babar Awan raised concerns regarding the court’s directive to conclude trials within four months. In response, the Chief Justice stated that the law already mandates the completion of trials within three months.

The CJP added that the written order will also mention a specific deadline for concluding the trials. He advised the petitioner to approach the relevant forum for the quashing of FIRs.

When Babar Awan indicated his intention to challenge the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Chief Justice responded, “You may go ahead and challenge it. We are dismissing the appeal.”

Regarding the case of Asad Qaiser, the court noted that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had withdrawn its appeal for the cancellation of his bail. The additional advocate general informed the court of this development, following which the court dismissed the plea on the basis of its withdrawal.

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Earlier, the caretaker government of KP had filed the petition seeking the cancellation of Asad Qaiser’s bail in connection with the May 9 incidents. The move to withdraw the petition was approved by the provincial cabinet.