PTI to challenge military courts’ sentences awarded to ‘May 9 rioters’

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday announced to challenge the military court convictions of its workers and supporters, terming the trials of “civilians in the military courts a blatant violation of justice”.

“A judicial commission should be constituted to probe the May 9 events and November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters,” PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stated.

The statement from the PTI leader came shortly after the Military courts sentenced 60 more “culprits” for their involvement in the May 9 riots, taking the total number of convicts to 85.

“Sequel to the announcement of the May 9 punishments in light of the Supreme Court’s decision, the Field General Court Martial has promulgated the punishments to the following remaining 60 culprits after examining all evidence, ensuring the provision of all legal rights to the convicts, completion of due process and the appropriate legal proceedings,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

Among those sentenced is Hassan Niazi, the nephew of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who received a 10-year jail term.

Addressing journalists earlier in the day, PTI’s Barrister Gohar announced that individual appeals would also be filed against these sentences, urging the Supreme Court to expedite its decision on the case related to military trials.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, stated that Imran Khan has condemned the sentencing of civilians by military courts, asserting that civilians cannot be convicted in such courts.

“Article 7 of the Constitution defines the state, which comprises the parliament, provincial assemblies, National Assembly, and Senate,” Ayub explained, emphasizing that the military and other institutions operate under the state.

He further stressed that military institutions cannot act as the judiciary, highlighting the importance of civilians being tried in civilian courts.