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ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court Thursday granted one more week time to Malik Riaz in contempt of court case to arrange his defence counsel as most of lawyers have been avoiding him to show solidarity with the SC.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shakirullah Jan heard the proceedings of the case.
Malik Riaz told the SC that he was not able to arrange his counsel as no lawyer is ready to represent him. He requested SC for granting him ten days to arrange a defence lawyer.
Justice Shakirullah Jan remarked, “It is your problem if you have not arranged lawyer, you have to respond over the issued show cause notice”.
Malik Riaz told SC that he has contacted 4 lawyers and they have demanded some time to think for defending the case. He stated it is a matter of grave concern that Raymond Davis can get a lawyer but not him.
He told the court that 2 resolutions were passed in Islamabad District Bar that directed all the lawyers for not defending Malik Riaz.
Justice Shakirullah Jan expressed annoyingly that Bars should not pass such type of resolutions that create hindrance in providing justice to masses because every citizen has the right to be able to defend himself through lawyer.
The petitioner of the case informed the court that no one is stopping Malik Riaz from obtaining a lawyer for his defence as he has a full legal team that is defending him in various cases that are being prosecuted in different courts.
Malik Riaz told the court that he assures the SC that he would arrange lawyer after 10 days.
Justice Shakirullah Jan said, in case Malik Riaz is unable to arrange a defence lawyer for himself then the state would provide him with one.
Justice Tariq Parvez remarked how the proceedings would continue if Malik Riaz could not arrange a defence lawyer.
The court stated that resolution was passed in India for not providing defence lawyer for Ajmal Kasab, but Indian Supreme Court had returned right to Ajmal Kasab for arranging lawyer. The court said Bars have to think several times before passing any resolution and see if that resolution could create any hindrance in way of justice.
The SC then granted 7 days more time to Malik Riaz for arranging defence lawyer and adjourned the hearing till 28th June.