APS case: “What has been done to bring justice?” SCP grills PM

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing of the Army Public School (APS) case for four weeks after questioning Prime Minister Imran Khan.

According to details, the prime minister appeared before the Supreme Court in the APS suo motu notice case. During the hearing, the court asked the premier that what he did after the Army Public School tragedy. To which the prime minister said that we had a government in the province at that time.

Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan said that it was necessary to console the parents of the children who were martyred in Army Public School. The prime minister said that when this incident took place, he immediately reached Peshawar. The Chief Justice asked what the state has done to bring justice to the parents of the children as their protection was the responsibility of the state.

PM Imran Khan, while elaborating his response maintained his previous response that he was not ruling the government at that time. The judge of the Supreme Court remarked that the parents wanted action to be taken against the then high officials. “Even after so many years, why the culprits could not be arrested? Now it is your government,” the judge remarked.

Justice Qazi Amin said that according to media reports, you (premier) are negotiating with these people. The court remarked that you are Prime Minister and we respect you, he remarked.

During the hearing, the prime minister said that whatever the court orders, we will take action against the culprits. “Give me a chance to talk, I will explain one by one,” the prime minister added. The Chief Justice remarked that the court has nothing to do with your policies. Later, the trial was adjourned for four weeks.

The Supreme Court summoned Prime Minister Imran Khan and adjourned the hearing of the Army Public School Self Notice case till 11.30 am, after which PM Imran Khan reached the Supreme Court for question and answer.

Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed also reached the Supreme Court and while talking to media said that Army Public School is a matter of national nature. I personally appeared because I should be with the prime minister, he asserted.