- The leadership considers Khan to be the “mastermind” of the May 9 attacks.
- The military establishment has not yet openly named anyone.
- Khan had said he was ready to face a military trial.
Islamabad: Informed sources told The News that no decision has yet been taken on whether Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PIT) chairman Imran Khan will be tried in a military court under the Army Act.
Sources said that although some federal ministers are suggesting that Khan’s trial as the “mastermind” of the May 9 attacks is fit for a military trial, no decision has been taken in this regard.
There is a general consensus among civilian and military officials that Khan – the first prime minister to be removed through a motion of no confidence – was the “mastermind” of the 9 May attacks.
The civilian side – which includes Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and several federal ministers – has repeatedly said that the PTI chief was the main planner of the May 9 violence.
Although the military establishment has not yet named anyone, including Khan, but indirect indications coming from them also point to what the civilian government says vocally.
Following the evidence collected by the police and based on the statements of some of the arsonists already arrested, FIRs are now being filed against Khan in connection with the May 9 attacks.
Khan has been named in at least six FIRs. So far his name figures in the FIRs registered at various police stations in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Mianwali. His name is expected to be included in more FIRs.
Asked whether Khan would be prosecuted under the Army Act, the source said no decision has been taken on the issue yet.
A total of 102 citizens arrested from different parts of the country in the wake of the May 9 violence are with the military authorities for trial under the Army Act, according to the information provided to the Supreme Court recently by the federal government.
None of these 102 suspects are women or children. A few days ago a media report suggested that no woman or person below the age of 18 would be prosecuted under the Army Act.
The custody of all those facing trial under the Army Act has been handed over to the Army. If it is decided to prosecute Khan under the Army Act, his custody will also be handed over to the military authorities.
In a recent interview, Khan had said that he was prepared to face a military trial even without the assistance of a lawyer.
Originally published in news
