Khan’s party awaits ‘justice from courts’ as Pakistan hands down military trial sentences

Senior leaders of Pakistan’s main opposition party strongly condemned on Saturday the military trials of civilians, asserting that such practices were unconstitutional and infringed on fundamental rights.

During a press briefing in Islamabad, they also highlighted pressing national concerns, including economic instability, governance failures, and political repression.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) leaders’ presser comes days after military courts sentenced 85 civilians to prison terms for their involvement in violent attacks on military installations on May 9, 2023. The incidents occurred following former premier and party’s founding chairman Imran Khan’s first brief arrest.

In a presser held a day earlier, Pakistan military’s spokesperson defended the military trials. "The May 9 case is not just about the armed forces but about the people," the military spokesman said.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Shibli Faraz, asserted that the PTI’s political philosophy was rooted in the rule of law and the Constitution. “Our struggle will always remain within this framework. We are a peaceful political party,” he said.

He underlined the importance of judicial independence, stating, “We expect justice from the courts, as it is their religious and constitutional duty to provide it.”

'Onus of talks' success, failure on govt'

Faraz reiterated the PTI’s commitment to peaceful protest, guaranteed under the Constitution, and called for dialogue to resolve the ongoing political impasse. “Negotiations are the solution to every problem,” he stated, adding that the PTI remains open to discussions with the government.

However, he noted that any talks would align with the principled position of Imran Khan, the party’s founding chairman. Faraz also rejected claims that Khan was seeking personal concessions through negotiations.

“Imran Khan is in jail for the people of Pakistan, and he has been fighting his battle for over 500 days. The government will bear responsibility for the success or failure of any negotiations,” he said.

On military trials, Faraz criticized the selective application of constitutional principles and expressed concern over the government’s increasing authoritarian tendencies. “This country should run on the basis of the Constitution, but unfortunately, pick-and-choose policies prevail here,” he remarked.

'Military trials unconstitutional'

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub echoed these concerns, condemning the lack of transparency and fairness in military trials. “According to Pakistan’s law, no civilian can be punished in a military trial. All such trials are beyond the Constitution,” Ayub asserted.

He demanded the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate key events, particularly those surrounding May 9, 2023 and November 26. “The judicial officer in military courts receives just a single page, reads it, and pronounces the sentence,” he said, alleging a lack of due process. Ayub added that sentences against individuals, including Hassaan Niazi – Imran’s nephew -, would ultimately be nullified in the high court.

Ayub also criticized Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi of using excessive force to suppress dissent. “D-Chowk was cleared with American and British weapons, and firing was carried out from the State Life Building,” he alleged. He provided an example of a PTI worker, Imran Abbasi, who was severely injured during the crackdown. Despite these grievances, Ayub shared that Imran Khan has chosen to forgive those responsible, “for the sake of Pakistan.”

'Policies contributing to rise in terrorism'

Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser also expressed grave concerns about the implications of military trials and the overall state of governance. “Do you think the threat from Afghanistan will not increase?” he asked, warning of heightened regional tensions and terrorism if the current policies persist. Qaiser stressed the importance of fostering peace and mutual support, recalling PTI’s efforts during its tenure to establish Pak-Afghan trade, which boosted exports to $2.5 billion. “Trade and peace must be given a chance,” he urged.

Babar Awan, a senior PTI leader and legal expert, provided a detailed critique of military trials, arguing that they are relics of colonial-era laws that must be abolished. “These laws, made by the British, have remained unchanged and are now being used to suppress dissent,” he stated.

Awan emphasized the importance of fair trials, which require media presence and adherence to constitutional safeguards. “By pronouncing sentences through military courts, a warning has been issued to 250 million people [Pakistanis],” he said.

He also highlighted international criticism, noting that the European Union has rejected military court proceedings. Awan called for the withdrawal of cases against political figures and their immediate release, warning that “injustice will only give rise to further injustice.”

The PTI leaders also criticized the government for its economic “mismanagement”, accusing it of imposing brutal hardships on the public under IMF directives. “Political stability is intrinsically linked to economic stability, and right now, the country is facing a situation of extreme uncertainty,” Senator Shibli Faraz stated.

Ayub also raised concerns about smuggling and the inefficacy of state institutions in curbing it. “Petrol worth PKR 550 billion is being smuggled, yet those responsible remain unchecked,” he said, questioning the role of intelligence agencies. He pointed out the federal government’s “failure to disburse PKR 1,500 billion owed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”, further exacerbating economic disparities.