Supreme Court Remarks on Military Trials of Civilians: “Punishment Should be Given, Regardless of Where the Trial Takes Place

Islamabad: In the ongoing case regarding the military trials of civilians, Justice Jamal Mandokhel of the Supreme Court remarked that whoever commits a crime must face punishment, and it does not matter whether the trial takes place here or there.

The hearing, chaired by Justice Ameenuddin, focused on intra-court appeals related to the military trials of civilians. During the proceedings, lawyer for civil society, Faisal Siddiqui, presented his arguments.

During the hearing, Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar asked how many individuals had been released from military courts. Faisal Siddiqui responded by stating that 105 individuals were tried, of which 20 were released. The Attorney General informed the court that after the release of 20 individuals, 19 more had been freed, leaving 66 individuals still in prison.

Justice Jamal Mandokhel emphasized that a crime must be punished, regardless of whether the trial takes place in a civilian or military court. Faisal Siddiqui responded by pointing out that there is a significant difference between a civilian trial and a military trial, as one is conducted in an independent court while the other is under military jurisdiction.

The hearing concluded with Faisal Siddiqui finishing his arguments, and now former Supreme Court Bar officials’ lawyer, Abid Zuberi, will present his arguments.