Former Chief Justice objects to Justice Tariq Masood on military courts bench

 Former Chief Justice Jawad S. Khawaja has raised objections to the inclusion of Justice Sardar Tariq Masood in the bench constituted to hear the matter of appeals against trials of civilians in military courts, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

Justice Jawad S Khawaja in a petition filed in the apex court held that Sardar Tariq Masood has conveyed his stance on applications related to military courts through a written note.

He urged him to separate himself from the bench dealing with military court matters and requested the court that the matter should be referred to the Judges Committee, to establish a new bench.

Initially, a 9-member bench formed against trials of civilians in military courts already witnessed the voluntary recusal of both Justice Faiz Isa and Justice Sardar Tariq from hearing the case, the petition added.

Justice Sardar Tariq Masood's opinion, documented in a signed note on June 26, he observed, adding that Justice Tariq Masood's expression of opinion occurred in a note rather than a formal decision regarding military courts.

The petition further underscored Justice Sardar Tariq Masood's declaration of applications by civilians against military courts as inadmissible.

According to the petition, Justice Tariq Masood emphasized that legal challenges should first be raised in the High Court.

Justice Khawaja further held that Justice Tariq Masood's involvement in hearing appeals related to military courts contradicts the principles of justice.

The bench headed by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood should be prevented from deciding on intra-court appeals, he urged.

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori