The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has underscored the need for immediate arrest once pre-arrest bail is dismissed by the courts. The Supreme Court clarified that merely filing an appeal against the bail rejection does not grant automatic protection or delay the arrest process.
This ruling came after an appeal was filed following the Lahore High Court’s decision to reject bail pleas for Zahid Khan and others. In the detailed verdict, authored by CJP Afridi, the Supreme Court emphasized that interim protection from arrest is not a right but a privilege that must be explicitly granted by the court.
Despite the Lahore High Court’s bail rejection, police failed to arrest the accused for over six months. The CJP described this delay as a serious lapse and warned that such inaction undermines public trust in the judicial system. He stressed that timely enforcement of court orders is crucial for maintaining the rule of law and justice.
Further, the CJP highlighted that administrative convenience or any other excuse cannot justify delaying arrests. Law enforcement agencies must act promptly once the court has dismissed bail, ensuring that justice is served without unnecessary postponement.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel withdrew the appeal, leading the Supreme Court to dispose of the case. However, the CJP’s ruling remains significant, reinforcing the importance of swift action by police following bail denial.
This judgment balances the protection of individual rights with the need for effective law enforcement. It sends a strong message that legal decisions must be respected and implemented promptly to uphold justice and maintain public confidence in the system.
The CJP’s directive is a reminder to all law enforcement authorities that delays in arrest following bail dismissal are unacceptable. Immediate compliance with court orders is essential for the credibility of the justice process.
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