ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) strongly opposes the decision to try perpetrators of the attack on Jinnah House in Lahore and other miscreants in military courts. In a statement, the SCBA condemned the recent attack on Jinnah House and military installations, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law and safeguard national security.
The SCBA firmly believes that ordinary citizens involved in violent incidents should not be tried in military courts, as this would be unconstitutional. The association emphasizes that the actions of violent mobs not only undermine the rule of law but also directly threaten the country’s national security and overall stability.
The attack on significant historical and cultural landmarks like Jinnah House is viewed as an assault on Pakistan’s identity, heightening the urgency for effective measures to maintain law and order. While acknowledging the importance of preserving peace and order, the association emphasizes that ensuring justice and fair trials are equally vital.
The SCBA asserts that conducting trials for acts of violence in military courts, rather than civilian courts, would contradict constitutional principles.
In a recently released statement, the SCBA not only condemned the heinous attack on Jinnah House and military installations but also emphasized the fundamental importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring the protection of national security and stability.
The SCBA firmly believes that while it is crucial to address and prosecute those responsible for acts of violence, trying ordinary citizens involved in such incidents in military courts would be unconstitutional. The association highlights that violent actions by mobs not only undermine the very fabric of the rule of law but also pose a direct threat to the country’s national security and overall stability.
The assault on historical and cultural landmarks, including Jinnah House, is viewed as an attack on Pakistan’s identity itself. This further amplifies the urgency for implementing effective measures to maintain law and order within the nation. The SCBA recognizes the significance of preserving peace and order, but it equally emphasizes the imperative of ensuring that justice is served and fair trials are conducted.
In unequivocal terms, the SCBA asserts that resorting to military courts for the trials of individuals involved in acts of violence, as opposed to utilizing civilian courts, would be contradictory to the principles enshrined in the constitution. Military courts, by their very nature, operate under a different framework and possess distinct procedures compared to civilian courts. The association maintains that diverting cases related to violent incidents to military courts would undermine the core principles of justice, fairness, and due process.
The SCBA’s opposition to trying perpetrators in military courts stems from its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of citizens, and ensuring the integrity of the justice system. It emphasizes that the proper functioning of the civilian court system is instrumental in ensuring that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done. By subjecting individuals involved in violent incidents to military tribunals, the association contends that the principles of transparency, accountability, and constitutional legitimacy would be compromised.
In conclusion, the SCBA vehemently opposes the decision to try perpetrators and miscreants involved in the attack on Jinnah House and other violent incidents in military courts. It firmly believes that such proceedings would be unconstitutional and run counter to the principles of justice and fair trials. The association underscores the critical importance of upholding the rule of law, protecting national security, and ensuring the preservation of Pakistan’s identity.