Section 17, The Appeals from Magistrates' Courts Ordinance

If neither party be present on the day on which the P~oceduref inappeal is to be heard, the hearing thereof may be adjourned, ~o~~n;:r~ies. or the Appeal Court may proceed to deal with the appeal upon the evidence taken before the Magistrate, and for that purpose shall have all the powers conferred upon it by section 19.