Islamabad High Court Questions Government on Imran Khan’s Military Trial: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday demanded further clarification from the government about the potential military trial of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. This request comes amid his petition challenging the possibility of a military trial linked to the May 9 riots.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, who led the hearing, expressed frustration with the government’s lack of clarity. “There is no clear answer from the government. I am giving you time to bring instructions in this regard,” Justice Aurangzeb stated.
The court directed the Ministry of Defence to provide a clear stance on the issue by the next hearing. The ministry requested additional time, and the case was adjourned until next Tuesday, September 24.
Imran Khan’s concerns were heightened by recent statements from high-ranking officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. Their remarks have fueled speculation about a possible military trial.
In July of last year, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore indicated that there were reasonable grounds to link Imran Khan to the May 9 incidents. Following these events, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) led government had initiated military trials for those involved in attacking state and military installations during the riots.
This issue was brought before the Supreme Court, which initially declared civilian trials in military courts null and void in its October 23, 2023, ruling. However, the apex court later suspended this verdict in December, following intra-court appeals filed by federal and provincial governments and the defence ministry. The December 13, 2023, verdict stated that military trials would be contingent on the apex court’s final decision on these appeals.
During Monday’s hearing, Justice Aurangzeb questioned the procedure for military custody. He noted that the Ministry of Defence had no information about military detention and trial procedures. The additional attorney general stated that any requests would be handled according to the law.
Justice Aurangzeb noted that there was insufficient information to proceed with the case. The court requested the defence ministry to provide details on the civilian trial process in military courts. A representative from the ministry assured that they had a “very clean procedure.”
Justice Aurangzeb added that if a notice is issued to Imran Khan before a military trial, the case would be concluded swiftly. He explained that the civil court would first frame the charges, and if the case were to be sent to the military court, a notice should be issued first.
