Supreme Court allows military courts to announce verdicts, subject to pending ruling

The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench has granted military courts the permission to announce their verdicts, but these decisions will be subject to the outcome of an ongoing case in the Supreme Court. Defendants who could receive leniency in their sentences should be released, while those who cannot be granted relief will be transferred to prisons for sentencing.

During the hearing of the case related to military courts, the constitutional bench postponed other cases to focus solely on this matter. Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan emphasised that today’s hearing would address only issues related to military courts.

Justice Jamal Mandokhel raised questions about whether the Army Act could be amended to bring everyone within its jurisdiction. He also asked whether the invalid sections of the Army Act were in line with the Constitution.

In response, the Defence Ministry’s lawyer, Khawaja Haris, argued that there were flaws in the Supreme Court’s previous rulings. However, Justice Mandokhel responded by cautioning against undermining judicial decisions. Khawaja Haris apologised, stating that his words were not meant to be of a legal nature.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar requested details regarding the May 9th incidents, asking whether the case was limited to the Corps Commander House and seeking clarification on the scope of the matter.

The additional attorney general stated that all details had been received this morning and would be formally submitted through a written request.

Justice Musarat Hilali raised concerns about trials conducted under the invalid provisions, questioning what legal protection those previously convicted under these provisions would have. Khawaja Haris argued that generally, decisions made before the invalidation of provisions are still protected.