Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
HomePakistanCivilians must not be tried under military laws: Raza Rabbani

Civilians must not be tried under military laws: Raza Rabbani

Military law cannot be used to prosecute civilians: Raza Rabbani

ISLAMABAD: PPP Senator Raza Rabbani has voiced his opposition to trying Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters under the Army Act for their involvement in attacking defense installations and damaging public properties following the arrest of PTI leader Imran Khan on May 9 in a corruption case.

In a statement on Wednesday, Senator Raza Rabbani emphasized that no leniency should be shown towards those who engaged in acts of attack, arson, and looting under the guise of a political agenda. He argued that a criminal justice system already exists, complete with special anti-terrorist laws and courts, and it is within this system that civilian planners, instigators, and perpetrators should be tried.

The senator contended that trying civilians under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 would raise transparency concerns and provoke a debate that would generate sympathy. He maintained that such trials for acts of arson and burning under the Army Act are likely to be challenged in higher courts as being contrary to the law.

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Senator Rabbani also expressed his opposition to the establishment of military courts for trying terrorists, stating that the one-time amendment made by Parliament in 2015, which allowed for the establishment of these courts, was not the correct decision and has since expired.

Senator Rabbani urged the coalition government to reconsider the notion of trying civilians under the Army Act and instead focus on imposing the harshest sentences under the criminal justice system. He emphasized that this approach would uphold fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

To read more: NAB summons Imran Khan on May 18 in Al-Qadir Trust case

The previous day, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement declaring the National Security Committee’s endorsement of the Corps Commander Conference’s decision to try arsonists under the Army Act, Official Secrets Act, and other relevant laws.

The NSC strongly condemned the acts of arson committed at military installations for political and personal motives and declared May 9 as a “Black Day” at the national level. The NSC expressed unwavering solidarity and support for the armed forces and vowed to hold the culprits accountable for the desecration of military installations and public property.

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Earlier, during a Special Corps Commanders’ Conference chaired by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, it was resolved to conduct trials under the Army Act and the Official Secrets Act for those involved in planning, abetting, and engaging in attacks on military installations and public property.

To read more: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia set to sign “Road to Makkah” Project

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