According to Barrister Aqeel Malik, Pakistan government’s spokesperson for legal affairs, former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s cases related to the May 9 riots may be transferred to military courts. Nationwide protests erupted on May 9 last year after paramilitary rangers removed Khan from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) during a corruption case.
During the protests, social media was inundated with videos showing rioting and vandalism at various locations, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Khan, who was already in custody, was formally “arrested” in connection with these cases on July 15. This occurred just one day after his apprehension with his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a new Toshakhana case, following their acquittal in the Iddat case, as reported by Dawn.
In an interview with DawnNewsTV, Malik was asked if he believed Khan’s trial could be moved to a military court after the arrest of former intelligence chief Lt-Gen (retired) Faiz Hameed. He responded by saying, “Yes, absolutely.”
He stated that the events and vandalism on May 9 warranted the application of the Army Act because military installations were targeted and damaged. Malik also claimed that the PTI founder “orchestrated” and “properly operated” the riots that occurred last year.
“This was premeditated. This was pre-planned,” Malik said.
He further said regarding military courts that “it is entirely possible that Imran Khan’s trial is held in a military court and the reason for that is because the Army Act will be applicable.”
Malik noted that while many people have claimed that any conviction by a military court could be appealed to the high court, he added that neither the High Court nor the Supreme Court would have the jurisdiction to consider such an appeal.
“According to the legal provisions, the appeal for the case would be taken by the military court of appeals,” Malik further stated.
He added that after all appeal options are exhausted, a final mercy appeal could be made to the army chief or the president.
Khan has previously alleged a plan to try him in a military court. He claimed that Faiz Hameed was being pressured to become an approver against him in order to facilitate his trial in a military court for the May 9 incidents, as reported by Dawn.
