The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday ordered to transfer all cases related to civilian rioters following the arrest of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on May 9 to Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).
It further declared trials of civilians in military courts illegal and violation of fundamental rights.
A five-member bench led by Justice Ijazul Ahsan, heard the case, according to Pakistan’s ‘The Express Tribune’ news website. Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Mazahir Naqvi, and Justice Ayesha Malik were part of the bench.
Lawyer Salman Akram Raja also argued that the military courts have started the trial of civilians despite giving assurances in the court.
Several protesters were arrested on May 9 under the Army Act, 1952 following incidents of vandalism and rioting over Khan’s arrest.
The Pakistan Parliament Resolution, presented by defence minister Khawaja Asif, said “planners, abettors and miscreants” of May 9 violence should be tried in military courts.
Pakistan’s National Assembly adopted the resolution demanding speedy action against rioter.
The resolution demanded action be taken against the perpetrators of May 9 incident under the Army Act, while ensuring respect for human rights.
The resolution stated that “a group and its leaders had crossed all limits on May 9, launching attacks on military installations, causing irreparable damage to state institutions and the country.”
It further stated there should not be any delay of even a day in taking action against the culprits, adding that even the party’s workers and leaders were distancing themselves from the May 9 events.
The resolution mentioned that the military has the authority to take action in response to attacks on military installations worldwide, and all individuals involved should be punished under the Pakistan Army Act of 1952 for their actions.
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