Judicial restraint is called for when Asif Minister claimed that opponents of civilian trials in military courts “have political interests.”

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated on Thursday in ISLAMABAD that the judiciary must be prevented from “further interfering in the Parliament” since it has already meddled too much with the legislative branch.
The minister spoke while Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf presided over a session of the National Assembly.
He stated that the issue of civilians being tried in military tribunals had been brought before the Supreme Court, and that between twenty-four and twenty-five people had been given sentences by military courts under the previous administration.
He said, “The SC bench is divided, but we should have a ruling either today or tomorrow.”
Asif also said that the petitioners have qualms with their respective parties and are motivated by politics.
Speaking about the attacks on May 9, he said, “such crimes are not found in our history, the state cannot afford such crimes.” This was in reference to the destruction of government buildings and tributes to the victims of the violence.
A nine-member bigger bench was created by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial the day before the minister’s comments were made to examine petitions filed by former CJP Jawad S. Khawaja and others challenging the trial of suspected May 9 rioters in military courts.
The minister of defense also stressed the need of not putting the country’s reputation at risk for partisan gain. He also stressed the importance of leaving a positive mark on the world through one’s legacy.
The people who are giving their lives for our country, Asif continued, are the ones who are helping us.
“I appeal to the house to protect our honour, the message should go out from this house that we will not compromise our honour,” he continued.
Although the defense minister did not specify whether or not anyone had been tried in military courts for this offense, he did say that certain persons would be tried in military courts. On May 9, he claimed, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) urged supporters to spread violence in their roles as political workers.
The perpetrators of the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) have been identified, but others are still at large, he said, adding that it is disgraceful to even discuss what was done with the memorials of the fallen.
The speaker continued by stating that the potential for violence exists in the Balochistani region of Akhtar Jan Mengal. To end the fighting, he ordered the minister of defense to intervene with the proper authorities.
Asif responded that he will notify the proper authorities and issue directives for an immediate investigation. He also promised to work to end the fighting over this issue.