Haji NAZIR AHMAD vs MUHAMMAD SHAFI And Other

This matter concerns four petitions for quashment of proceedings that have been pending before the Supreme Court of Pakistan for four years. The petitioner's counsel requested an adjournment to obtain fresh instructions from the clients, citing a lack of contact over a significant period. The Court addressed the core question of whether an adjournment should be granted in a long-standing matter where the petitioner has failed to maintain communication with their legal representative. The Court held that no sufficient justification was provided for the delay in seeking instructions. Consequently, the petitions were dismissed for non-prosecution. The Court established the principle that while petitions may be dismissed for non-prosecution due to a lack of diligence or communication, a mechanism for revival remains available. Specifically, the Court ruled that if the Advocate-on-Record subsequently establishes contact with the clients and determines that the subject matter of the petitions remains live and actionable, they may file an application for the revival of the dismissed petitions. The matter was disposed of accordingly.