The Supreme Court of Pakistan made a significant observation on Wednesday regarding the trial that led to the execution of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. According to Dawn, the court stated that the conditions of a fair trial and due process were not fulfilled during the trial in 1979.Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, a nine-judge bench delivered its opinion on a presidential reference filed in April 2011. The reference sought clarification on whether the 1979 verdict, which resulted in the execution of Bhutto, could be revisited. This judgment was labeled a historic wrong by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and legal experts.لائیو: سپریم کورٹ کا 9 رکنی بینچ شہید ذوالفقار علی بھٹو صدارتی ریفرنس پر اپنی رائے دے رہا ہےhttps://t.co/i9SFiln29F— Pakistan Peoples Party - PPP (@PPP_Org) March 6, 2024CJP Isa highlighted that the trial proceedings by the Lahore High Court and the subsequent appeal by the Supreme Court did not meet the standards of fundamental rights to a fair trial and due process as outlined in the Constitution. These rights are enshrined in Articles 4, 9, and 10A.Acknowledging past judicial shortcomings, CJP Isa emphasized the importance of recognizing and rectifying mistakes to progress in the right direction.Bilawal Bhutto hails unanimous decisionThe courts decision was hailed as historic by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the grandson of late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for addressing the case after 44 years. Bilawal also noted that this decision would contribute to Pakistans progress and restore faith in the judicial system.In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Bilawal Bhutto celebrated the unanimous decision, emphasizing that his family had waited for three generations to hear these words of acknowledgment.More than 44 years after judicial murder and more than 12 years after presidential reference was filed today a unanimous decision announce by CJP Isa. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto did not get a fair trial. The pursuit of justice was a labour of love by President Asif Ali Zardari… https://t.co/rTNgLWeood— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) March 6, 2024He posted on his official X account, More than 44 years after judicial murder and more than 12 years after the presidential reference was filed today a unanimous decision announced by CJP Isa. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto did not get a fair trial.Furthermore, he added, The pursuit of justice was a labour of love by President Asif Ali Zardari in the name of his wife Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Our family waited 3 generations to hear these words. Jiya Bhutto! Long live Bhutto!Zulfikar Ali Bhutto executedZulfikar Ali Bhutto, who served as both President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, was executed under the military regime of General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq on April 3, 1979. Bhutto and four co-defendants were convicted by the Lahore High Court on charges related to political activities.Bhuttos legacy includes his involvement in significant military operations and his stance against India. He was known for his leadership during the 1965 war and his declaration of a prolonged defense against India on the international stage.
