Supreme Court today as a six-member bench delves into intra-court appeals challenging the recent verdict nullifying military trials for civilians involved in the May 9 riots. The appellants, including the interim federal government, provincial governments of Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the defense ministry, are at the forefront of this legal battle.
The case revolves around the military trials of civilians accused in the aftermath of the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The May 9 riots witnessed protesters damaging multiple military and state installations, including the Corps Commander’s residence (Jinnah House) in Lahore and the gates of the military’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
In a recent development, the Supreme Court declared the military trials of the arrested civilians null and void, sparking the ongoing legal proceedings. The bench, led by Justice Ijazul Ahsan, comprises Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Justice Ayesha Malik.
During the proceedings, the then Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman presented arguments emphasizing the necessity of a constitutional amendment for the formation of military courts in 2015 to try terrorists. He highlighted that a constitutional amendment might not be required if the accused had a “direct link” to the armed forces. Usman further asserted that the suspects would be tried under Section 2(1)(d)(ii) of the Official Secrets Act.
