Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser has expressed regret over the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to allow civil cases to be tried in military courts.
Speaking to media representatives at the High Court, Qaiser emphasized the party’s stance on an independent judiciary and the rule of law, saying: “We want an independent judiciary, we want the rule of law in this country. “It is regrettable that the Supreme Court has allowed civilian cases to be tried in military courts.”
Qaiser also referred to the cases registered against PTI members by the state, terming them a cause for concern. “We regret the cases registered against us by the State,” he stated.
He went on to mention the discussions held by the party the previous day, highlighting three main points they had raised: the treatment of PTI workers, the release of those detained and the demand for a judicial investigation into the incidents of May 9 and November . 24.
“We are against pressure on the courts, we want decisions to be made freely in the courts,” Qaiser said. He stressed that the matter was presented to the nation and added that “there is no guarantee.”
The PTI leader further criticized the numerous cases filed against PTI Chairman Imran Khan and described them as vindictive.
He noted that the excessive number of cases had diluted the importance of serious charges and said: “So many cases have been filed that the importance of important cases has been lost. Cases of terrorism, murder and treason have been registered against parliamentarians.”
Qaiser also reaffirmed PTI’s commitment to peaceful protests and stated, “Peaceful protest is the right of every citizen.” He stressed that no PTI worker had been involved in violence and added, “No Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf worker has broken even a single flower pot.” He concluded by reiterating that the party’s fight was for the supremacy of the constitution and the laws.
Up to 25 civilians involved in violent attacks on military installations during the national unrest on May 9, 2023 were sentenced on Saturday to between two and ten years in prison by military courts.
On December 13, the seven-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court allowed military courts to announce the decision of civilians in custody in connection with the May 9 incidents, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. after the verdict.
The sentences have been pronounced after an exhaustive investigation of all the evidence and compliance with all legal procedures. The convicts have also been given full legal rights to comply with the legal requirements, he further stated.
“On May 9, the nation witnessed violence and politically arson at multiple locations, marking a dark chapter in Pakistan’s history,” the army’s media wing said. “Based on a sustained narrative of hate and lies, politically orchestrated attacks against armed forces facilities were carried out, including the desecration of Shuhada monuments,” he added.
“These blatant acts of violence not only shocked the nation but also underlined the need to stop this unacceptable attempt by political terrorism to impose its own perverted will through violence and coercion,” ISPR added.
