The hearing of May 9-related cases of violence against the PTI leaders and the Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad which was to be held at an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi today, had to be adjourned until April 30 on account of the reference filed by the Punjab government against the court judge Malik Ijaz Asif, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.  

Today copies of the challan were to be distributed among the suspects. But no hearing could be held today.  

Also on Wednesday, PTI leaders and AML chief Sheikh Rasheed in their chat with the media censured the Punjab government for sending the reference against the judge.

Zartaj Gul says reference attempt to stifle dissent

Commenting on the reference filed against ATC judge, PTI leader Zartaj Gul said that unfortunately a precedent had been set in the country that a reference was filed against the judge who administered justice. “Whosoever raises his or her voice against brutalities is silenced,” she said.  

Shireen Mazari also hits out at Punjab govt

Similarly, ex-PTI leader Shireen Mazari, too, expressed her surprise at the Punjab government’s move, saying it was beyond comprehension that the provincial government was now showing its distrust in that very judge whom it had appointed. “This amounts to a mockery of the law,” she said.

Raja Basharat says surprised at provincial govt’s step

Former Punjab minister and PTI leader Raja Basharat, too, expressed his surprise over the Punjab government’s step. “This shows that the provincial government is not pleased at all with the decisions given by the judge,” he opined.

Sheikh Rasheed says nation proud of judge Ijaz Asif   

In his comments, AML chief Sheikh Rasheed said that it was for the first time in the history of the country that a reference had been filed against an on-duty judge. “The nation is proud of Ijaz Asif,” he said.

Reporter: Irshad Qureshi