SC directs trial court to complete Perween Rehman murder trial soon

The Supreme Court Monday issued directives for making the reports of the two joint investigation teams (JITs) formed to probe the high-profile Perween Rehman murder part of the case trial, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Monday

An SC bench, headed by Justice Umar Atta Bandial called for both reports to be presented in the trial court hearing the case within two weeks to review them as per law.

Disposing of the suo motu case, the apex court instructed the trial court to wrap up the trial proceedings as soon as possible.

The bench ruled that if need be, the trial court may issue necessary directives in light of these reports.

The lawyer for the applicant, Faisal Siddiqui requested the court not to dispose of the case as the two JITs reports have not been made part of the trial court proceedings.

However, the Justice Bandial said the applicant can again move the Supreme Court after trial court’s decision.

Justice Bandial said a lot of time has already been lapsed and the SC wants a decision based on merit and justice.

He said Supreme Court cannot become an investigation agency.

Perween Rehman, head of the Orangi Pilot Project (OPP), was gunned down near her office in Orangi Town on March 13, 2013.

On September 24, the Supreme Court had noted with wonder that the trial had been experiencing delays for the last 20 months.

A Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) lawyer informed the judges that five men were named in the case. One of them, named Qari Bilal, was killed in an encounter with police. He has nothing to do with the murder of Perween Rahman, the council said.

Justice Mazahir Naqvi, a member of the bench, questioned how Bilal’s gun matched with the bullet shells of a 9mm pistol used to kill Ms Rehman if he has nothing to do with her murder.