- The suspects say they were never tortured in military custody.
- They express confidence in the military officers.
- The suspects urged the Supreme Court that they should also be made a party in the case against the military courts.
Expressing their “confidence and trust” in the military authorities, the nine May 9 suspects – who are currently in military custody – moved the Supreme Court seeking permission to pursue their trial in a military court and “complete the Demanded an order to end it immediately. of Justice”.
The development comes a day before a larger five-member bench of the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear about a dozen petitions tomorrow (Monday) challenging the trials of civilians in military courts. A larger bench of the apex court headed by Justice Ijajul Ahsan and comprising Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Mazhar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ayesha Malik will hear the case.
Nine of the over 100 suspects in Army custody filed their petitions in the top court through advocate-on-record.
In June 2023, the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) had informed the apex court that 102 people were in the custody of the army and none of them were juveniles or women.
In his petition, one of the suspects said, “Since the applicant is in the custody of the military authorities, he was never tortured even during the investigation, rather he and all the other accused were given better treatment, which was beyond.” Their expectations.”
In his petition, the suspect requested the military authorities to prosecute and otherwise deal with him under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act 1952 and the rules made thereunder and provide speedy justice.
The suspects also requested the top court that they should be made a party in the case against the military courts.
Earlier today, the federal government informed the Supreme Court that the military trial of civilians involved in the May 9 mayhem has already begun.
Riots broke out almost across the country on May 9 following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan – who was ousted through a no-confidence vote in April last year – in the £190 million settlement case. Hundreds of PTI workers and senior leaders were put behind bars for their involvement in violence and attacks on military installations.
During the protests, miscreants targeted civilian and military establishments, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The army termed 9 May as “Black Day” and decided to prosecute the protesters under the Army Act.
