SC likely to resume hearing military trial case.

ISLAMABAD -- A five-member larger bench of the apex court is expected to hear the constitutional petitions challenging the trial of alleged May 9 rioters in military courts next week.

Led by Justice Ijazul Ahsan, the bench is likely to include Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar, and Justice Ayesha Malik.

The same judges were also part of the six-member bench led by former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial that was previously handling this matter. It has been reported that the roster for this larger bench has been issued, and the case is likely to be listed for a hearing on Monday.

Earlier, on Thursday, CJP Qazi Faez Isa mentioned that the SC would be taking up petitions regarding holding general elections within 90 days and those challenging trials of civilians in military courts.

He stated, "Cases seeking timely general elections and those related to trials of civilians in military courts will be listed soon. Difficult cases are about to come up in the Supreme Court, and it will be tough to schedule other cases during this period," while hearing a matter related to Pak Arab Refinery.

Despite the petitioners' requests, the six-member SC bench adjourned the military trials case for an indefinite period on August 3.

During the last hearing, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan was defending the trial of civilians in military courts and said the matter of providing an appeal on facts and law against conviction by a court-martial is under serious consideration, seeking further time in this regard.

Previously, the same bench had disposed of the civil society members' application...