In the TikToker Sana Yousaf murder case, the Islamabad High Court has reserved its verdict on the accused Umar Hayat’s petition regarding a lack of confidence in the trial court.
According sources, Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar heard the case. Lawyers for the accused, the state counsel, and the complainant’s lawyer Sardar Muhammad Qadir were present in court.
During the hearing, the accused’s lawyer stated that the conduct of the trial court was not appropriate. He said they had never sought unnecessary delays, but the court appointed a state counsel and conducted cross-examination immediately.
He also alleged that inappropriate remarks were made in open court and requested that previous cross-examination be cancelled and the case be transferred to another court.
The complainant’s lawyer argued that 10 months had passed, but only two witnesses had been cross-examined in six months. He said the trial court (a model court) had provided full facilitation and no delay was caused by them.
The Chief Justice questioned the defense lawyer’s conduct, saying that if ten hours are given for cross-examination and still not used properly, then how will the trial proceed. The court also remarked that the behavior of counsel was not appropriate and that courts cannot function without proper conduct from both sides.
After hearing arguments, the Islamabad High Court reserved its decision.
