By IANS
Karachi : While Pakistan's Supreme Court hears its chief justice's petition challenging his dismissal, confrontation is also building up in Sindh where the top judge has refused to the discuss the May 12 violence in Karachi with the governor of the province.
Sindh High Court Chief Justice Sabihuddin Ahmed received Governor Ishratul Ebad Khan, but said the violence, which led to 48 deaths, was sub judice.
This reasoning is generally given to obviate any attempt by an interested party to influence the judicial process. But in this case it being seen as a clear snub to the provincial authorities, who have said no probe was required into the violence.
The high court has taken suo motu cognisance of the violence that erupted on the day Chaudhry sought to visit Karachi to address members of the bar council.
Thousands waited to receive him as the city burnt. The judge was prevented from entering the city and flown back to Islamabad.
The governor remained with the chief justice for about an hour, Sindh Advocate General Anwar Mansoor Khan, who accompanied the governor, told Daily Times.
Three other judges attended the meeting held in the chief justice's chambers.
The president of the Sindh High Court Bar Association Abrar Hussain, who was invited along with honorary secretary Shaikh Munirur Rahman, also attended the meeting, which took place during a tea break.
The governor intended to talk about the May 12 incidents but the chief justice requested him not to as a larger high court bench was hearing the issue, which was later converted into a constitutional petition.
Besides, another full bench was also hearing contempt of court proceedings and thus the matter should not be dwelt upon, the governor was told.
Daily Times learnt that at the unscheduled meeting of judges on Wednesday morning, during which court work remain halted, the judges decided not to meet any executive official.
A fortnight ago, Sindh High Court judges also decided against attending any oath-taking ceremony or otherwise at Governor House.