Govt urges Supreme Court to reject petitions challenging military trials

The federal government has requested the Supreme Court to reject the petitions challenging the civilians’ trial in the military courts, insisting that the trial of those who conspire against the security of the state can be held under the Army Act, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The federal government submitted a 31-page reply to the Supreme Court in the military trials case on Monday.

In its response, the government has stated that the constitution allows it to hold the military trial of those accused who were involved in the attack on military installations.

It said that external forces are constantly conspiring against Pakistan. It further stated that constitutional rights are not affected by holding military trials.

The government said that the military properties and installations were systematically targeted on May 9.

The federal government took the position that the petitions filed in the Supreme Court against the military courts are not admissible as the petitioners have approached the Supreme Court directly instead of the High Courts.

The federal government said that the Army Act and the Official Secrets Act predate the Constitution of Pakistan, which have not been challenged till to date, and all actions taken under these Acts are valid according to law.

The federal government requested the Supreme Court not to hear the case directly, as it is feared that if the Supreme Court dismisses the petitions, the rights of the affected parties in the High Court will be affected.

The federal government once again pleaded with the Supreme Court to form a full court to hear this case.

It also requested the court to reject the petitions against the civilians’ trial in military courts.

SC to hear military courts case today

A six-judge SC bench will start hearing challenges to the civilians’ trials in the military courts tomorrow (Tuesday).

The bench will be headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ayesha A Malik.

Meanwhile, the court on Monday allotted the number to the petition filed by Supreme Court Bar Association President Abid Zubairi challenging the military trial of the civilians.

 

Reporter Amanat Gishkori