In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared today that the late Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was denied a fair trial, emphasizing that the proceedings did not adhere to constitutional requirements of due process. Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, delivered the verdict on behalf of the nine-member bench, stating that Bhutto’s conviction and subsequent execution did not meet the standards of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
The verdict, which came after careful consideration of a 2011 presidential reference seeking to reassess Bhutto’s trial and sentence, highlighted deficiencies in the legal process that led to his hanging in 1979. Chief Justice Isa underscored the court’s commitment to justice and integrity, stressing the importance of acknowledging past mistakes with humility and accountability.
The decision addressed key questions raised in the reference, notably questioning the validity of the Lahore High Court and Supreme Court rulings in Bhutto’s murder trial. It also examined whether the Supreme Court’s decision leading to Bhutto’s execution could be deemed binding under Article 189 of the Constitution.
In its opinion, the Supreme Court concluded that the proceedings failed to meet the requirements of fair trial and due process, as outlined in the Constitution. Additionally, the court highlighted the absence of mechanisms to overturn Bhutto’s conviction, underscoring flaws in the legal framework at the time.
Today’s verdict marks a significant step towards rectifying historical injustices and upholding the principles of justice and equality under the law in Pakistan.
