Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, on Wednesday strongly criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for politicizing the issue of military courts. Addressing the media in Islamabad, he accused PTI of making baseless claims for political concessions.
Tarar assured that military courts provide fair trials. He explained that defendants have access to legal representation, contact with their families, and two chances to appeal their sentences. These appeals are available both within the military judicial system and in the high courts.
He further stated that trials linked to the May 9 incidents adhere to international legal standards. He dismissed allegations of human rights violations, emphasizing that the accused would face justice in accordance with the law.
The minister accused PTI of fabricating an anti-state narrative regarding military courts. He clarified that these courts operate under legal frameworks established by an Act of Parliament and endorsed by the Supreme Court.
Military courts, Tarar said, are only used for cases involving attacks on defense facilities. He cited incidents like those at the Corps Commander’s House, Mardan, and Bala Hisar Fort as examples. He likened military court jurisdiction to that of specialized courts like Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) courts for drug cases and Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) for terrorism-related matters.
Tarar compared the role of military courts to that of the railway police, who handle crimes on railway property. Similarly, he noted, attacks on military installations fall under the Military Act. These cases ensure fair trials, supported by undeniable evidence, with the right to appeal preserved.
He pointed out that PTI’s founding chairman had previously praised military courts, highlighting their importance in upholding the law. He mentioned that video clips of such statements remain available on social media.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to justice, Tarar stressed that the principle of rule of law, as championed by Quaid-e-Azam, guides the country’s actions. He assured that those responsible for the May 9 incidents would face accountability while being granted a fair trial.
Earlier, Tarar shared Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s greetings for Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary and Christmas. He reiterated the government’s commitment to unity and progress for Pakistan.
