The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) accepting plea for constituting Joint Investigation Team (JIT) over Model Town massacre issued notice to the prosecution to explain whether or not another JIT could be formed at this stage. CJP was hearing a petition of a victim of Model Town killing incident Bisma Amjad seeking formation of new JIT and direction to Anti Terrorism Court to hold trial proceedings twice in a week.
Earlier, Chief of Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) Dr Tahir ul Qadri when expressed his sorrow over the delay, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar observed, "No doubt this matter has been delayed and it should have not been happened so". He further remarked "We are here to address the grievances of people and tell us what court could do for Bisma," CJP Nisar asked Dr Tahir ul Qadri who took the rostrum to speak over Bisma's case.
Dr Qadri revealed that the then JIT, constituted in an FIR registered against them, giving dissenting note had recommended to quash the FIR.
He implored that it is regrettable that this dissenting note had not been made the part of record by the then government.
Raising question marks over JIT's conduct, he contended there was carnage on the occasion as around 1,000 police officials took part in this action and about 4,000 family members of PAT workers had been arrested.
He said there were 66 people who got bullet injuries but they were not given the opportunity to appear before the JIT.
No FIR was registered on their complaint owing to which they stage a sit-in at Islamabad as a result of which FIR was registered against accused persons.
He implored that the rulers at that time got constituted JIT on their own choice.
He implored they had been demanding an impartial inquiry from day one. He said it was astonishing enough that the witnesses of that gory incident had been made the accused persons in that FIR. Then they moved to ATC and file a private complaint nominating PML-N's leadership as well as police high ups.
CJP observed, "The circumstances were different when you had filed the private complaint". "We would have to see from legal aspects whether the new JIT could be formed at this stage," Chief Justice remarked. "We would have to address the grievances of those children who lost their parents," CJP added.
"Let me know what do you need, point out the problems which are affecting smooth trial," the CJP asked Dr Qadri.
At this Qadri said the matter has been delayed. The CJP said, "He is ready to order if you want a speedy trial".
Dr Tahir ul Qadri prayed the court to form a fresh JIT to hold fair and free investigation in Model Town killing incident.