The Supreme Court (SC) made a decision reservation on Monday regarding petitions challenging the military trial of civilians involved in the May 9 riots, which were triggered by the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
A five-member bench of the apex court, led by Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan and including Justices Munib Akhtar, Yahya Afridi, Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Ayesha Malik, is overseeing the proceedings.
During the hearing, Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan presented arguments, stating that he would explain to the court why a constitutional amendment was necessary in 2015 to establish military courts for trying terrorists.
In response to a question from Justice Ahsan, AGP Awan noted that the accused individuals who were tried in military courts included both local and foreign nationals. He emphasized that the accused would be tried under Section 2(1)(D) of the Official Secrets Act, and a trial under the Army Act would meet all the requirements of a criminal case.
“The trial of the May 9 accused will follow the procedures of a criminal court,” the AGP clarified.
The decision to reserve judgment was made after Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan completed his arguments, primarily focused on the jurisdiction and scope of military courts for trying civilians under the Army Act.
Following the conclusion of the hearing, Justice Ahsan hinted at the issuance of a concise order on the petitions.
Earlier, the federal government informed the Supreme Court that military courts have initiated trials of civilians in response to the court’s order dated August 3. The government stated that a total of 102 individuals were arrested in connection with the May 9 and 10 incidents.
