There will be no ‘new’ military courts to try the May 9 suspects: The Defence Minister of Asif has assured the people that they will not be discriminated against in any way.
SIALKOT:
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Sunday that individuals accused in the May 9 violence would be tried in the existing military tribunals and that no new military courts would be established under the Army Act.
Speaking to reporters in Sialkot, he stated, “None of those accused of involvement in the May 9 riots will be deprived of their fundamental rights.”
The country descended into violence on May 9 after the arrest of PTI chairman and deposed PM Imran Khan in connection with a corruption investigation.
Since then, the government has conducted a harsh crackdown on party leaders and others suspected of contributing to the disorder.
Protesters, according to the ruling coalition, will be tried in military courts under the Army Act.
To try military personnel or foreign foes, the Army Act of 1952 established military courts.
In the absence of a federal government order, the court cannot try civilians there.
Military courts have the authority to try civilians suspected of crimes against the military or law enforcement, such as attacking military installations or inciting mutiny.
Members of the ruling coalition and local and international rights groups have both spoken out against the proposal to trial May 9 suspects in military courts, citing concerns that doing so would violate democratic values.
Raza Rabbani, a leading member of the PPP, has repeatedly called for the perpetrators of May 9 to be tried in a civilian court rather than a military one.
Amnesty International has issued a statement calling for the contentious action to be promptly stricken down, calling it worrisome and contrary to international law.
Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission (HRCP) has publicly rejected using military tribunals to trial civilians.
The European Union was expected to intervene if citizens accused of involvement in the May 9 attacks on army posts faced trial in military courts, according to legal experts.
The GSP trade pact between Pakistan and the EU could be affected by the new development.
The minister of defence assured the press that legislation was already in place for this very purpose.
Asif insisted the government wouldn’t harass good people.
He further stated that legal action would be taken only against individuals captured on camera during attacks on critical infrastructure.
The minister denounced the protests on May 9 as “terrorism,” calling them an attack on the “integrity and existence of Pakistan.”
He lauded the “unrelenting” efforts of the country’s security services and law enforcement organisations including the police and the Rangers to combat terrorism.
He called for national solidarity, saying that people were “well aware” of the efforts to inflame tensions and create discord.
Additionally, Asif stated that the assailants “can never be patriots,” adding that he saw “no difference between Indian attacks” and the “violent mob’s attack” on the Lahore corps commander’s mansion (formerly Jinnah House) and Mianwali Air Base.
He went on to say that military installations were “among India’s targets,” adding that only an enemy would strike something like an airbase or the General Headquarters.
He felt bad that the angry demonstrators had broken statues honouring the country’s martyrs and military heroes.
Imran, one man, made it quite clear that he would strike where the adversary was strongest. He stated that “protection of Pakistan is our red line,” adding that the military sites, including martyrs’ memorials, have been desecrated.
The integrity of Pakistan, he assured them, would not be compromised in any way.
The minister also went to Chawinda, where he paid his respects at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (martyrs monument).
After placing floral wreaths at the martyrs’ graves, he prayed Fateha (supplications) for their departed souls.
There, he told the reporters that the PTI was plotting to attack a specific institution with the help of foreign countries.
According to the Constitution of Pakistan and existing and established legal procedures, the trial of the planners, instigators, abettors, and perpetrators involved in the May 9 tragedy has begun under the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secret Act.
While in Lahore, the army chief addressed the garrison officers and soldiers at Corps Headquarters, saying, “The army draws its strength from people and any effort to create a wedge between the army and the people of Pakistan is an act against the state which is neither tolerable nor condonable under any circumstances.”
