IN an important development, the National Assembly on Monday passed a resolution calling upon the government to complete the process for the start of trial of all those involved in attacks on military buildings and installations on May 9, under the Army Act 1952 without any delay. Through the resolution, moved by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the House noted that all over the world, it is the armed forces which could take action against elements who are involved in attacking military installations. Noting that a political party and its chairman crossed all the limits in their actions against institutions concerning the country’s security and they attacked military installations, the House demanded completion of all the formalities without any delay so that such people are given exemplary punishment under the Army Act 1952.
As pointed out by the House, the trial of those involved in attacks against the Pakistan Army targets in military courts is perfectly in line with legal and constitutional provisions but attempts are being made to shield perpetrators of the crime behind human rights issue. The passage of the resolution means Parliament is now formally behind the process to hand over the accused for trial under the Pakistan Army Act. Analysts believe the adoption of the resolution by the National Assembly could be a prelude to some major move in this regard in days to come. The PTI understands the implications of the move and that is why it has strongly objected to the passage of the resolution claiming “Under the cover of the May 9 incidents, an attempt was made to crush the PTI with state power and oust it from politics. The Constitution does not allow prosecution of civil suspects in military courts: Attempts to use military courts for political engineering are shameful,” However, the PTI has to blame itself for the messy situation it faces as scores of videos are in circulation where PTI leaders can be seen directing their party workers and supporters to attacks some particular targets. No one could deny peaceful protest to any individual or party but there is absolutely no place for vandalism against civil and military facilities as people witnessed on May 09. In fact, it is because of the wrong and false narratives that the party nurtured throughout that landed it in deep waters. The latest admission of PTI Chairman Imran Khan that he has no evidence to substantiate his wild allegations against ISI officers is a glaring example of building false narratives to suit political expediency.
