ISLAMABAD – Supreme Court of Pakistan has formed a six-member bench to hear intra-court appeals challenging the October 23 verdict of the apex court declaring the trial of civilians in military court over May 9 violence.
The country’s top court will take up plea on December 13. 6-member bench spearheaded by Justice Sardar Tariq will hear petitions moved by the federal government, defense ministry, and provincial governments seeking the suspension of operation of the October 23 verdict order.
The larger bench also includes Justice Aminuddin, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, along with Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Irfan Saadat.
The apex court forms a larger bench in light of the density and importance of issues surrounding civilian trials in army courts. It pointed out the significance of ensuring a fair and just legal process in such cases.
Earlier in October, the Supreme Court announced its verdict by 4-1 in pleas against civilian trials in the military courts. Former prime minister Imran Khan and others moved court against the military trial of civilians named in the May 9 violence.
The petitioners called for the nullification of the court verdict until a decision on the review plea as the accused demanded their trial in military courts.
The interim government also submitted a report to the Supreme Court, in which it mentioned that over 100 citizens were held in the wake of attacks on civil and military installations.
All accused have been detained under the Pakistan Army Act, of 1952, and Official Secrets Act, of 1923.
Ministry of Defence challenges SC’s verdict against civilians’ trials in military courts
