ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court of Pakistan has nullified the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision to dismiss Fawad Chaudhry’s plea seeking the consolidation of May 9 cases filed against him in different cities. The top court has sent the matter back to the LHC for fresh consideration.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi heard the appeal filed by former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry. During the hearing, the court declared that the LHC’s earlier dismissal of the petition was void and instructed the high court to hear the matter along with previously remanded cases.
Chief Justice Afridi emphasized that no party's legal rights should be affected, and any decision should be written in the presence of both parties. He further stated that Fawad’s petition would now be treated as pending before the LHC.
During the proceedings, the Chief Justice called Fawad Chaudhry and the Punjab government’s lawyer into his chamber, assuring them that the matter would be addressed with mutual understanding.
Fawad Chaudhry also complained about trials continuing late into the night, sometimes past midnight. In response, Chief Justice Afridi remarked,
“Be thankful the courts are functioning. If the Supreme Court intervenes now, it might affect the fairness of your case.”
The court also rejected Fawad Chaudhry’s request to stay the ongoing trial, ruling that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Lahore High Court.
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