Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Supreme Leader Asad Qaiser expressed regret over the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to allow civilian cases to be heard in military courts.
Speaking to the media at the Supreme 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 allowed civilian cases to be tried by military courts.
Qaiser also addressed the cases registered by the state against PTI members and described them as disturbing. “We are sorry for the cases that the state registers against us,” he said.
He further mentioned the discussions held by the party the previous day and highlighted three main points raised by it: the treatment of PTI workers, the release of those arrested and the demand for a judicial inquiry into the incidents of May 9 and November. 24.
“We are against pressure on the courts, we want the court to make decisions freely,” Qaiser said. He emphasized that the matter had been put before the nation, adding: “There is no guarantee.”
The PTI leader further criticized the numerous cases filed against PTI Chairman Imran Khan and called them vindictive.
He pointed out that the excessive number of cases had diluted the importance of serious allegations, saying: “So many cases have been made that the importance of important cases has been lost.” Cases of terrorism, murder and treason have been registered against MPs.
Qaiser also reaffirmed the PTI’s commitment to peaceful protests, saying, “It is the right of every citizen to protest peacefully. He emphasized that no PTI worker was involved in acts of violence and added, “Not a single flower pot was broken by any worker of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.” In conclusion, he reiterated that the party’s struggle was for the supremacy of the constitution and laws.
Military courts on Saturday sentenced up to 25 civilians involved in violent attacks on military installations during nationwide unrest on May 9, 2023 to between two and ten years in prison.
A seven-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court on December 13 allowed military courts to announce decisions on civilian detainees related to the May 9 incidents, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement after the verdict.
The sentences were handed down after a full investigation of all evidence and compliance with all legal procedures. She further stated that the convicts were given full legal rights to meet the legal requirements.
“On May 9, the nation witnessed politically provoked violence and arson at many places, marking a dark chapter in the history of Pakistan,” the army’s media wing said. “On the basis of a persistent narrative of hatred and lies, politically organized attacks on armed forces facilities were carried out, including the desecration of Šuhada’s monuments,” he added.
“These blatant acts of violence have not only shocked the nation but also highlighted the need to check this unacceptable attempt by political terrorism to impose its own twisted will through violence and coercion,” the ISPR added.
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