The full bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed JR Mudassir Husain granted the 20th extension of deadline, upon a government petition filed in August last year.

The court however turned down a petition of nine government officials, facing contempt charges for distorting the court directive, seeking exemption from appearing in the court in person. Advocate TH Khan pleaded for their exemption.

The court, earlier, asked the government to submit by yesterday the final draft rules on separation of the judiciary which had been sent to the president for approval. But the state side did not submit it.

Attorney General (AG) AF Hassan Ariff submitted a comparative study between the Supreme Court draft and the draft sent to the president.

"We do not want comparative studies of the draft rules. Show us what exactly you have finalised for the president's approval," the court told the attorney general.

"Let the government publish the rules. If the court finds it is not in line with its directive and in accordance with the constitution, the court has the option to add or delete any part of the rules," the AG replied.

The AG submitted that the government was working in phases towards separation of the judiciary, a lengthy task, following the 12-point guidelines given by the court five years ago.

He further said full implementation of the court orders also required amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure.

"We are not convinced of your submission. We hope good sense will prevail on the government," the court observed and allowed one month's time to implement its orders.

The court also asked the AG to convey the court's attitude on separation of the judiciary to the government.