Justice Jamal Mandokhel Suggests Sending All Cases to Military Courts Amid Legal Proceedings

Islamabad: In the ongoing case regarding military courts, Justice Jamal Mandokhel remarked that the government’s policy decisions, including sending all cases to military courts, would not affect the case under review by the judiciary. He emphasized that the court would continue to examine the case independently of any policy changes made by the government. “The government can decide whatever it wants regarding the policy; the court will look at its own case,” Justice Mandokhel stated. He further suggested, “If the government believes that the civilian judicial system has failed, it may consider sending all cases to military courts.”
During the hearing, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan outlined three key points for the court to consider. First, the events of May 9; second, the implementation of assurances made to the court; and third, the issue of granting the right to appeal. The Attorney General requested an additional week to consult with the government regarding the appeal rights due to ongoing discussions on crucial matters such as the water dispute and the India-Pakistan tensions.
Justice Mandokhel reaffirmed that the government’s policy decisions would have no bearing on the case being heard, noting that Parliament has the authority to amend the Army Act if it so wishes. Meanwhile, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar inquired how much time the Attorney General would need to present arguments on the three points, to which the Attorney General responded that he could complete his arguments in 45 minutes.
The court has adjourned the hearing until May 5 for further deliberation.