Arsalan case: SC reserves verdict in Malik Riaz review petition

Supreme Court Tuesday reserved its judgment over authority of the bench in Malik Riaz’s review petition against the court’s appointed one-member commission led by Dr. Shoaib Suddle in Dr. Arsalan Iftikhar’s case.A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Jawad S. Khawaja resumed the hearing in Malik Riaz’s review petition against Suddle commission in Dr. Arsalan Iftikhar case.Counsel for Malik Riaz, Zahid Bukhari told the Supreme Court that the ” Suddle commission” was unacceptable and that Dr Shoaib Suddle had a softer corner for Arsalan Iftikhar.During the hearing, Zahid Bukhari told the court he did not accept the Suddle Commission hence there was no question about his appearance before the commission.He further said that a contempt of court petition would be filed against the Suddle Commission, adding that continuation of the commission’s investigations despite the denial of its extension was tantamount to harassment.Justice Khawaja remarked that the court had noted down the points made by Zahid Bukhari.Earlier during the hearing, Zahid Bukhari had objected to the bench hearing the case on the grounds that the same bench should resume hearing which had passed earlier judgement on the case.Justice Jawad S. Khawaja remarked that the availability of the bench has to be considered as judges can also fall ill.Counsel for Dr. Arsalan Iftikhar, Sardar Ishaq told SC that they are ready to face any enquiry.The court reserved verdict in the case and then adjourned the hearing for indefinite period.