In a statement on Saturday, Mr Ahsan expressed his disappointment at the Supreme Court’s verdict, terming the judgment manifestly flawed and not even based on the evidence available on record. – File Photo

LAHORE: Barrister Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, counsel for Mukhtar Mai, has announced filing of a review petition against the Supreme Court verdict acquitting five men of the charge of gang-raping his client. In a statement on Saturday, Mr Ahsan expressed his disappointment at the Supreme Court’s verdict, terming the judgment manifestly flawed and not even based on the evidence available on record.

“In drawing their conclusions, the learned judges disregarded cogent evidence and failed to notice actual material on the record and the facts proved thereby,” Mr Ahsan observed.

The former SCBA president and PPP leader further said that judges had misread evidence that they had adverted to.

“The judges have also failed to take notice of the social backdrop, which was established on the record itself, and in the context of which the horrendous crime of gang-rape was committed, reported and investigated,” he added.

Mr Ahsan maintained that the decision needed to be reviewed and recalled.

“I have consulted Mukhtar Mai, and we have decided that a petition seeking review of the April 21 judgment will be filed soon,” the statement said.

He also pointed out that the petition would contain a full critique of the judgment and there was no need for him to make any other comments in media on the subject.

“We are grateful to the people, the media, civil society and particularly the women of Pakistan for their committed support in this critical hour.”

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