Pakistan's top security body endorses Army's decision to try May 9 arsonist under Army Act; rights group oppose

Pakistan's cabinet has endorsed the decision of the country's top security body to try military courts against those involved in attacks on key military installations.

On May 9, protesters took to the streets and torched military and civilian buildings and vehicles following the arrest of former prime minister and chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan.

Ten people died and thousands were injured in this violence. Thousands of supporters of Khan, 70, were arrested in violence that Pakistan's military described as the darkest day in the Islamic country's history.

Will be prosecuted under the Privacy Act

The National Security Committee (NSC) in a meeting agreed that protesters vandalizing and vandalizing military installations would be prosecuted under the Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.

Let us tell you that a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister's House (PMO) approved the trial in military courts a few days after the NSC and Corps Commanders' Conference. Those who are behind the violent protests for justice.

Action taken against PTI leaders after violence

On May 9, widespread protests broke out after paramilitary rangers arrested the cricketer-turned-politician from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Khan has a massive following across Pakistan.

The protesters vandalized public and government properties and even attacked the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and the Lahore Corps Commander's residence. Following the violence, action was taken against PTI leaders and workers.

A cabinet minister, requesting anonymity, told The Express Tribune that no new military courts would be set up, adding that the accused would be tried in special permanent courts that are already functioning under the Military Act. Are.

However, noted lawyer and expert on military-related matters, Col (Retd) Inamur Rahim said the Ministry of Defense or the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) would have to formally issue a notification to set up or revive the special permanent courts.

The federal cabinet ratified the decisions of the NSC

The NSC had stressed the need for political dialogue on the confrontation to resolve differences, apart from allowing trial in military courts.

Earlier, at the Corps Commanders' Conference, COAS General Asim Munir had decided that perpetrators, planners and executors of such attacks would be prosecuted under the Army and Official Secrets Acts. The decisions of the NSC were ratified by the federal cabinet on Friday, according to the Express Tribune.