Govt asks SC to dismiss petitions against military courts

The federal government has asked Pakistan’s Supreme Court to reject appeals against the military tribunals’ decision to try civilians who participated in the May 9 rallies.

Govt asks SC to dismiss petitions: The petition claims that the “issues involved in the instant petitions are critically important to the national security and integrity of Pakistan.”

The statement further claims that the army has received the task of defending the nation and emphasizes that any attacks on military targets constitute “direct assaults against the national security of Pakistan.”

To “deter” any future violent acts of the same nature, the statement also asserts the need to try everyone involved in the May 9 violent protests under the army act.

The petition claims there is abundant proof that “foreign powers” are attempting to weaken and destabilise the armed forces and uses Shakil Afridi and Kulbhushan Yadav as examples.

It continues by stating that, in light of Pakistan’s current legal framework, prosecuting civilians under the Army Act in this case is a “apt and proportionate” reaction.

According to the petition, trials conducted under the Official Secrets Act and Army Act, which predate the constitution, do not affect a person’s fundamental rights.

The military courts case will resume hearings on Wednesday before a six-member court panel. The chief justice expressed his “hope” that civilian trials would not start during the break during the previous session.