LHC questions complainants in Greece boat tragedy case, warns against shielding main suspect
Pakistan
The court ordered all complainants to appear before the Special Central Court at 12 noon the next day
LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) – The Lahore High Court (LHC) heard the interim bail application of Saqib Jajja, the main accused in the Greece boat tragedy case. During the hearing, the complainant refused to identify Saqib Jajja as the accused.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelam remarked that the complainants were trying to save a cruel person and ordered forensic verification of the complainants’ thumb impressions. She stated that if it is proven that the complainants themselves had filed the application, legal action should be taken against them for giving a false statement.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelam presided over the hearing regarding the interim bail of Saqib Jajja. During the proceedings, the accused’s counsel argued that the complainants had stated that the accused was not responsible and therefore requested confirmation of interim bail. The Chief Justice expressed strong displeasure at the conduct of the complainants.
She remarked, “You are trying to save a cruel person. Does human life have no value? The media raises noise that institutions do not work, yet you yourselves filed the application and are now saying this is not your accused.”
The complainant, Jameel, stated, “I swear on the Holy Quran.” In response, the Chief Justice said, “The Quran is very great; we cannot bear its burden. Do not try to save an oppressor. Those who say these are simple people—these are not simple people. You are not speaking the truth in court. This country will not improve like this; you will have to come forward.”
The court ordered all complainants to appear before the Special Central Court at 12 noon the next day. During the hearing, the Chief Justice inquired whether the complainants’ children had survived the incident. The federal government’s lawyer informed the court that the children of three complainants had survived the Greece boat tragedy. The Chief Justice remarked that they were fortunate their children had survived.
She further ordered verification of all complainants’ statements and again directed that their thumb impressions be sent for forensic examination. The court ruled that if it is proven the complainants had submitted the application and later gave false statements, action should be taken against them. The interim bail of the accused was extended until February 12.
