Urdu Report Desk
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has criticised the registration of more than 100 First Information Reports (FIRs) against a single person across different provinces, saying such practices make a mockery of the country’s legal system.
Justice Aqeel Abbasi made the remarks on October 22, 2026, during the hearing of a bail case involving former parliamentarian Jamshed Dasti.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad heard the case and extended Dasti’s bail until November 4. The court also directed the federal government and all provincial governments to submit records of the cases registered against him.
Justice Aqeel Abbasi Questions Multiple FIRs
Justice Aqeel Abbasi observed that a person could face more than 100 FIRs across different provinces, leaving them to spend their entire life dealing with legal proceedings.
“The situation has become a spectacle. We make a mockery of our own system,” the judge remarked, adding that such practices invite public ridicule.
He also referred to cases involving allegations of buffalo theft and noted that Pakistan’s courts ranked 136th internationally, according to the ranking he cited during the hearing.
Questions Raised Over Infection-Related Case
Justice Abbasi also referred to a case registered against Dasti on allegations of spreading infection, questioning whether the former parliamentarian was responsible for spreading diseases.
The judge reiterated that registering numerous cases against one person undermines the credibility of the legal system.
Justice Malik Shahzad Criticises Political Double Standards
Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad said Dasti had served as a member of parliament and was deserving of respect.
He criticised the conduct of politicians who, he said, celebrate the arrest of their opponents while in power but turn to the courts when they find themselves in opposition.
Dasti Says He Raised His Voice for South Punjab
During the hearing, Jamshed Dasti told the court that he belonged to South Punjab and had struggled for the people and raised his voice on their behalf.
He also said his own political party had issued him show-cause notices.
Responding to Dasti, Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad remarked that the number of cases against him also made him appear to be a “jihadi,” referring to the cases brought against the former parliamentarian.
The court directed the federal government and all provincial governments to provide the relevant records as the bail proceedings continue.
