Pakistani court told retired air marshal was court-martialed for leaking classified information

A retired three-star official of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was court-martialed and sentenced to 14 years under the Official Secrets Act for leaking classified information, a Pakistani court was told on Friday.

The Assistant Attorney General (AAG) informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that retired Air Marshal Javad Saeed was in military custody, and that his sentence was reduced to four years after appeal. His plea for mercy is currently pending.

The court, which was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Saeed's wife, dismissed the petition, calling it frivolous, and imposed a fine of PKR 15,000 on the petitioner.

'Client not given access to legal counsel'

During Friday's hearing, Justice Khalid Maqbool Soomro questioned AAG Azmat Bashir Tarrar about the details of the court-martial verdict. Tarrar admitted that only a summary document outlining the charges and conviction was available.

Saeed's lawyer Waheed Akhtar challenged the legality of the proceedings, arguing that the retired air marshal was convicted without access to legal counsel or notification to his family.

But Justice Soomro dismissed the petition, stating that the available document confirmed Saeed’s charges and conviction.

“The short order mentions the charges and conviction. How can you say that he is missing?” the judge asked.

The defense lawyer argued that the family of his client was unaware of the crime his client was convicted for.

The court was informed that Saeed’s court-martial took place on Jan. 27, 2024, and his appeal was decided on March 11, 2024.

Family says detention 'unlawful'

The petitioner Shazia Javad had stated that her husband , who retired in March 2021, was taken from his home by unknown individuals last January.

His whereabouts were initially unknown, but his wife later learned that he was in the custody of the Air Force.

She argued that her husband, as a retired officer, is now a civilian and is not subject to military jurisdiction.

She also claimed that the retired air marshal was denied access to legal counsel of his choice.

The petition also said that Saeed’s retirement pension was stopped without justification, and her medical benefits were initially suspended before being partially reinstated.

She had requested the court to declare his detention unlawful, order his immediate release, or direct that he be formally charged before a competent court. She also sought the restoration of his pension and full medical benefits for his family.