Islamabad:The Pakistan Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing of an appeal by the family of slain American journalist Daniel Pearl against the acquittal of the key accused in the 2002 murder, for four weeks.
Thursday's adjournment came due to the absence of government lawyer Farooq Naek, who was unwell, and following the request of the defence lawyer of key accused, Omar Sheikh, Dawn news reported.
Faisal Siddiqi, who is representing Pearl's family, said he was surprised by the four-week adjournment, saying he had asked for the expeditious handling of the case.
Read:|Pak court accepts appeal by Daniel Pearl's family
Sheikh and three other accomplices were sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in the journalist's brutal murder.
But the Sindh High Court in April acquitted him, a move that has been highly criticised by the US government, Pearl's family and journalism advocacy groups.
The acquittal is now being appealed separately by the government and Pearl's family, a process that under the law could take years.