Supreme Court Confronts Past Mistakes in Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Hanging Case

Pakistans Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa suggests the Bhutto hanging case presents a chance for the Supreme Court and military to rectify past actions and restore their reputations.

Pakistan's Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has suggested that the Supreme Court and the country's armed forces have an opportunity to rectify past mistakes and restore their reputations in the case of the controversial hanging of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Revisiting a Controversial Verdict

The case stems from a special reference sent in 2011 by then-President Asif Ali Zardari to the Supreme Court, seeking a review of Bhutto's conviction for abetment in a murder case and his subsequent hanging in 1979. The execution of Bhutto, carried out after a seven-member Supreme Court upheld the conviction, has been widely criticized, with many believing it was influenced by the military dictator General Ziaul Haq, who had overthrown Bhutto's government in 1977.

Calls for Justice and Reckoning

Bhuttos supporters have long maintained that his hanging was a "judicial murder" and have accused the military ruler and the apex court of colluding to execute an elected prime minister on false charges. They have demanded that the Supreme Court rectify the injustice done to Bhutto.

Presidential Reference and Legal Proceedings

In response to these demands, Zardari approached the Supreme Court in 2011 through a presidential reference under Article 186 of the Constitution, seeking its opinion on revisiting the trial of the PPP founder. The Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Isa, is now hearing the case with a nine-member larger bench.

Arguments and Deliberations

During the recent hearing, Chief Justice Isa highlighted the significance of the case as an opportunity for both the Supreme Court and the armed forces to address the accusations against them. Amicus Curiae Makhdoom Ali Khan presented arguments, citing interviews with former judges that suggest bias in the original verdict. He also emphasized that the court has the authority to announce a verdict in the Bhutto case under Article 187.

Challenges and Considerations

However, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah raised concerns about examining the merit of the case since the verdict has already been announced. He suggested that the court could instead focus on how Bhutto was sentenced to death. The hearing was adjourned until February 26, with the Supreme Court seeking written responses from the PPP chief's counsel and other parties involved.

Seeking Closure and Restoring Confidence

The case of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's hanging continues to resonate in Pakistan's political and legal landscape. The Supreme Court's consideration of the presidential reference presents an opportunity to address historical grievances, rectify potential injustices, and restore public confidence in the justice system. The outcome of the case will be closely watched as Pakistan grapples with its past and strives for a more just and accountable future.