Karachi (HRNW): In a recent and significant ruling, Justice Salahuddin Panhwar of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a directive to courts across the country mandating that witnesses be provided with seating arrangements while giving their testimony, rather than being forced to remain standing. While this may seem like a minor procedural change, it carries profound moral and legal weight within the justice system, reinforcing the principle that a witness is a “helper of the court” rather than a criminal. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the inviolability of human dignity and the right to a fair trial, yet forcing individuals to stand for hours during cross-examination has often contradicted these principles. By ensuring a comfortable and respectful environment, the court allows witnesses to provide their statements with confidence and mental clarity, protected from physical strain or humiliation. Justice Panhwar’s directive serves as a vital reminder that true justice is not merely established through final verdicts, but through the compassionate and dignified treatment of those who step forward to serve the law.
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