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2025 PLD 737 SUPREME-COURT

Case information

Citation
2025 PLD 737 SUPREME-COURT
Court
Supreme Court of Pakistan
Year
2025
Reporter
PLD
Subject matter
Criminal

Fields are extracted from the reported citation and judgment text. Where a detail is not stated in the record, it is not shown.

Judgment text as reported

VS Political trials---Scope and purpose---Around the world, authoritarian regimes use “political trials” to legitimize their seizures of power, delegitimize opponents and consolidate authority---A political trial is one whose disposition-the determination of guilt or innocence, followed by punishment-depends primarily on the accused's professed attitudes and activities in relation to the ruling regime---In such trials, the legal process is not employed to ensure justice or minimize errors but rather to discredit and punish political opponents---These trials often rely heavily on statements obtained during investigations from former allies or associates of the accused, who may be coerced or induced to turn against the accused---Such evidence, which would usually hold limited weight in a fair trial, becomes a convenient basis for conviction in a political trial, supporting the alleged criminality of the accused---Political trials thus serve as a potent and notorious “judicial tool” for authoritarian regimes, aimed at suppressing political resistance and eliminating opposition---These trials frequently violate due process and fair trial requirements to produce politically desirable outcomes.

Other judgments reported in 2025 PLD

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