ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday conditionally allowed the military courts to issue reserved judgments in cases involving the civilians over their alleged involvement in May 9 riots.
A SC six-member bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan passed the order. Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan and other lawyers were also present there.
Advocate Siddiqui contended that if these individuals were tried in regular courts, they might have been acquitted or granted bail by now due to insufficient evidence.
These verdicts will be disclosed in scenarios where the accused might potentially be set free before Eid. This development arises subsequent to a series of appeals within the court system challenging the Supreme Court’s earlier decision, which invalidated military trials for civilians implicated in the aforementioned unrest.
The possibility of transferring the cases to anti-terrorism courts was raised, with concerns regarding the severity of likely penalties. Attorney General for Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan, emphasized that these cases were registered under the Official Secrets Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
During the hearing, the AGP hinted at the potential release of 15 to 20 of the accused, outlining a three-step process involving the announcement of reserved judgments, their confirmation, and potential leniency from the army chief for those with reduced sentences.
The top court stressed upon the point that the authorization hinged on the final resolution of the appeals against the October 23 ruling. Besides it, the apex court directed the attorney general to furnish a report on the matter to the registrar.
The SC also accepted the plea of the KP government seeking withdrawal its appeal against the October 23 ruling. The court put off until the fourth week of April.
