Pakistan

Apex court CB seeks detailed records of military trials of civilians

Listen to article

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has sought detailed records of military trials of civilians, questioning the evidentiary procedures followed in convictions.

A seven-member constitutional bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard appeals against the trials of civilians under the Army Act.

During the proceedings, Justice Hassan Rizvi remarked that the court aims to review how evidence was evaluated in these cases.

He noted that natural justice requires no one to be punished without being heard.

Representing the Ministry of Defence, senior lawyer Khawaja Haris argued that military courts adhered to due process and followed established procedures.

He maintained that constitutional amendments were necessary to include civilians under military trial provisions.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar highlighted the importance of fair trials, questioning whether military courts met these standards.

Justice Jamal Mandokhail raised concerns about whether amendments to the Army Act appropriately addressed criminal activities involving civilians.

The court requested data on all civilian cases tried under military law, excluding those linked to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav.

19 convicted in May 9 riots granted pardon: ISPR

Earlier this month, mercy petitions submitted by 19 individuals convicted for their involvement in the May 9 protests have been approved, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced in a statement on Thursday.

“Sequel to the promulgation of punishments to 9th May Tragedy convicts, they have exercised their right to appeal and have asked for mercy / remission in their punishments,” the military’s media wing stated.

The ISPR further said that a total of 67 convicts had submitted mercy petitions, with 48 of these petitions processed to Courts of Appeal. It added that the petitions of 19 convicts had been accepted “purely on humanitarian grounds, in accordance with law.”

“They all shall be released after completion of procedural formalities,” the statement continued.

The press release also mentioned that the mercy petitions of the remaining convicts would be decided in due course, following the legal process. It emphasised that all those convicted retain their right to appeal and pursue other legal remedies as per the law and constitution.

“The remission of punishments is a testament to the strength of the due process and fairness, which ensures that justice is served while also taking into account the principles of compassion and mercy,” the ISPR concluded.

The following individuals have had their punishments remitted: