The latest episode of Case No. 9 presents a courtroom sequence that had us questioning – and, in its own way, educating. Sehar faces Kamran as proceedings continue, yet when Kamran appears before the court, he is not cross-examined. The omission is deliberate, rooted in the structure of Pakistan’s criminal procedure.
Case No. 9 presents a sensitive story of rape and the legal proceedings that follow, all under the framework of Pakistan’s Penal Code. Beyond its drama, the series informs and educates viewers about their rights, the justice system, and the steps to take when faced with such situations. In only eight episodes, Case No. 9 has captured audiences from different walks of life. The latest episodes were nothing less than powerful, thought provoking, and grounded in reality.
And just like that, the latest episodes gave us a closer look at some important sections of the law – what they mean, why Kamran was not cross examined, and more. Give it a read below.
Under Section 340 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C.), an accused person has the right to defend themselves through legal counsel, but cannot be compelled to testify under oath. The law gives them the option to speak – not the obligation. This principle is further reinforced by Article 13(b) of Pakistan’s Constitution, which protects every individual from being compelled to be a witness against themselves.
Kamran’s silence, therefore, is not an oversight in the trial – it is his legal right. Unless the accused voluntarily testifies under oath, they cannot be subjected to cross-examination. The court may question the accused under Section 342, but even then, the individual cannot be forced to answer. The burden of proof rests entirely on the prosecution. This framework preserves the presumption of innocence – a central tenet of Pakistan’s criminal justice system.
If the law were to compel testimony from the accused, it would reverse that presumption, effectively requiring an individual to prove their own innocence. That is precisely what Pakistan’s procedural and constitutional protections are designed to prevent.
In an earlier episode, Sehar requests the court for camera recordings – reflecting another essential safeguard – the complainant’s right to privacy and dignity. Under the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, courts are mandated to conduct proceedings in-camera where necessary, shielding survivors from public exposure. The complainant has the right to object to the presence of irrelevant individuals in court and may request that only specific, trusted persons remain during testimony. The law also allows the use of technological measures such as video links or screens to ensure that survivors can testify without direct confrontation with the accused.
Viewed together, the two trial sequences in Case No. 9 illustrate a balance at the heart of Pakistan’s justice system – the protection of the survivor’s privacy alongside the accused/criminal’s right to a fair, non-coercive defense.
Case No. 9 uses these details with quiet precision. It does not dramatize the courtroom for effect; it reveals how law and process intersect to protect both dignity and due process. In doing so, it moves beyond narrative – towards an understanding of what justice, in practice, is meant to uphold.
Case No. 9 airs every Wednesday and Thursday at 8:00 PM, only on Geo.
Case No. 9 is written by Shahzaib Khanzada and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain. It is produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi under the banner of 7th Sky Entertainment. The cast includes Faysal Quraishi, Saba Qamar, Aamina Sheikh, Junaid Khan, Hina Khwaja Bayat, Noor ul Hasan, and more.
Sources: National Assembly of Pakistan, Pakistan Kanoon, Sindh Judicial Academy
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