ISLAMABAD: In remarks made during the case regarding the military trial of civilians in the Supreme Court, Justice Jamal Mandukhel stated that, regardless of who committed the crime, there should be punishment. It doesn’t matter whether the trial is conducted here or there; there is no difference.
In Supreme Court, hearings were held on intra-court appeals regarding the decision of military courts to trial civilians. Which was heard by a seven-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Ameen Uddin Khan in the Supreme Court.
During the hearing, civil society lawyer Faisal Siddiqui stated that, where the defense of Pakistan is at risk, civilians can be tried in military courts. The cases related to the events of May 9 involve vandalism.
During the hearing, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked lawyer Faisal Siddiqui how many people were released by the military court.
Civil society lawyer Faisal Siddiqui responded that there were 105 defendants, out of which 20 defendants were released.
The Additional Attorney General stated that, after 20, 19 more were released, and currently there are 66 accused in the jails.
Lawyer Faisal Siddiqui mentioned that, it is a custom in United States for both parties to be given the right to propose a judgment at the end of their arguments, and there is also an alternative of court martial.
Justice Jamal Mandokhel stated that, whether someone committed the crime or not, there should be a punishment; it doesn’t matter if the trial is held here or in a military court.
Lawyer Faisal Siddiqui responded that, there is a vast difference between the two types of trials; one is independent, while the other is in a military court. When national defense is at risk, civilians can be tried in military courts. The cases related to the events of May 9 involve vandalism.
Hearing on intra-court appeals against the decisions of military courts regarding civilians has been postponed until tomorrow.
Former officials of the Supreme Court Bar and Bushra Qamar’s lawyer, Abid Zebari, will continue arguments tomorrow.
