[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday declared that trials of civilians detained during violent protests on May 9 in military courts are invalid. The court ruled that the trial of civilians under Section 2 D (i) (ii) of the Army Act is unconstitutional by a 4 to 1 vote. It was decided that regular criminal statutes should be used for prosecuting civilians. Justice Yahya Afridi reserved judgment on the legality of Section 2 D(i)(ii).
The protests and detentions followed the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on May 9. Justice Ijazul Ahsan presided over the five-person bench, including Justices Muneeb Akhtar, Yahya Afridi, Mazahir Naqvi, and Ayesha Malik.
Read more : SC reserves verdict on petitions challenging military trial of civilians on 9th May Fiasco
Attorneys presented their arguments, with Ahmed Hussain announcing a ruling recap, and lawyer Salman Akram Raja raising concerns about the trials in military tribunals. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan provided reasons for the ongoing trial and assured that it would follow due process.
The families of the detainees sought to join the lawsuit, and the federal government informed the Supreme Court that 102 individuals had been detained, with a promise that military tribunal proceedings would align with the Supreme Court case. Convicted individuals would have the opportunity to appeal their sentences following military trials. The detainees were arrested under the Pakistan Army Act of 1952 and the Official Secrets Act for their alleged involvement in attacks on camps in Gujranwala, Bannu, and Hamza.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
