The Islamabad High Court (IHC) asked the federal government for an explanation regarding the possibility of former prime minister Imran Khan being tried in military court for his alleged role in the May 9 riots .
According to IHC’s Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Khan filed a plea under Article 199 of the Constitution on September 3, amid rumors that he would be tried in a military court.
The PTI founder is a civilian, and the military trial of a civilian is a matter of significance for the petitioner as well as the court.
The former prime minister’s appeals were made in response to remarks made by senior government figures, such as the ministers of law and defense, that fueled these rumors.
In his remarks during today’s hearing, Justice Aurangzeb stated that if the petitioner was referring to a statement made by the director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), the federation need to make its position on the subject clear.
“What would happen if we, the court, decided today that there was nothing to report, and you produced an order for a military trial the following day?” The judge stated as he gave the additional attorney general orders to follow federal guidelines and report back to the court on Monday.
“Is the military trial of the PTI founder being considered? Should there be nothing of the sort, the appeal will be rendered futile. But if so, we [the court] will hear the matter and make a determination,” Justice Aurangzeb said, noting that the SC had already rendered a verdict about civilians being subjected to military tribunals.
The court said that he was dismissing the objections made by the IHC registrar’s office in response to the additional AG’s request for a ruling on the objections lodged on Khan’s pleas.
