ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned the hearing of a case concerning military trials of civilians till May 5, as a seven-member bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan resumed proceedings.
Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan appeared before the court and said he would present arguments on three key points: the events of May 9 last year when violent protests broke out following PTI chairman Imran Khan’s arrest; the implementation of assurances given to the court; and the right to appeal for convicts.
The AGP sought another week to consult the government on the right to appeal issue, explaining he had been occupied with matters related to the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan-India disputes last week.
Military courts case: Khawaja Haris likely to complete his arguments today
During the hearing, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail observed that the court would focus on the legal aspects of the case regardless of the government’s policy decisions. “The government can make any policy decision it wants – the court has to examine its own case,” he remarked. The judge added that it was Parliament’s prerogative to decide whether to amend the Army Act or not.
When Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked how much time the AGP needed for his arguments, the law officer said he would complete them within 45 minutes. The AGP also informed the court that Khawaja Haris, counsel for the petitioners, had already concluded his arguments on legal points.
The case pertains to the trial of civilians in military courts following the May 9 violence, with petitioners challenging the constitutionality of such trials. The Supreme Court had earlier declared the military trials of civilians as null and void, but the judgement was later suspended.