Govt Excludes Women & Underage Suspects from Military Court Trials

Government Decides to Exclude Women and Underage Suspects from Military Court Trials

Lahore: In the aftermath of the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on May 9, the federal government has made a decision regarding the Military Court Trials of suspects involved in attacks on civil and military installations during the subsequent violent protests.

Riots erupted nationwide following Imran Khan’s arrest in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, resulting in the loss of eight lives and numerous injuries. In response, the authorities apprehended thousands of PTI workers.

Attacks were carried out by miscreants on various civil and military installations, including the Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House) in Lahore Cantt and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

Designated as a “Black Day” by the military, May 9 prompted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to label it as the “darkest day in the [country’s] history.” Consequently, it was decided to try the suspects in military courts. The National Security Committee supported this decision by the top brass.

According to sources familiar with the matter, a total of 102 suspects arrested in connection with the May 9 mayhem are currently in military custody. However, the government has decided that women and individuals below the age of 18 involved in the attacks on civil and military installations will be tried in civilian courts.

During the proceedings in the military courts, the suspects will have the right to choose their legal representation, and they will be allowed to meet their families once a week.

There is also speculation that the government is considering the possibility of trying the former prime minister, who was removed from power in April last year, in a military court. However, this proposal is facing opposition from some ministers.

Key Points

• Government of Pakistan has decided not to try women and underage suspects involved in attacks on civil and military installations during the protests that followed the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
• Miscreants targeted various installations, including the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore Cantt and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
• The military will try the protesters involved in the attacks under the Army Act, while women and underage suspects will be tried in civilian courts.

Published in PakWeb, July 07, 2023.

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