The Islamabad High Court on Thursday requested a response from the federal government by September 16 regarding the possible trial of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a military court.
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb heard the petition to stop the former Prime Minister’s potential military detention and trial.
During the hearing, Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb addressed the former Prime Minister’s lawyer, asking, “You are saying there is no case, but one could arise in the future?”
In response, the former Prime Minister’s lawyer expressed concerns, to which the head of the bench remarked, “This is politics.”
Imran Khan’s lawyer stated that a statement had been issued by the DG ISPR (Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations), and Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb commented, “That too is politics.”
The former Prime Minister’s lawyer argued that statements had been made by high-level government and military officials and that ministers had threatened the military trial of the PTI founder.
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked that Imran Khan is a civilian, and a military trial for a civilian is a matter of concern for both the petitioner and the court.
He further remarked that the petitioner’s lawyer says that a statement has been issued by the DG ISPR, and if that is the case, there should be a clear stance from the Federation.
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked, “If we say today that nothing has happened yet, but tomorrow you bring an order for a military trial, then what will happen?”
Addressing the Additional Attorney General, the court said to take instructions from the federal government and clearly inform the court on Monday. The Additional Attorney General stated, “My request is that the objections raised on the petition should be decided first.”
In response, the head of the bench remarked, “I am removing the objections raised by the Registrar’s Office on the petition.”
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb stated that the Supreme Court has a decision regarding the trial of civilians in military courts, and the Federation should clarify whether the matter of the PTI founder’s military trial is under consideration.
He further remarked, “If nothing happens, the petition will become ineffective, but if something is under consideration, we will hear and decide the case.”
The court adjourned the hearing until September 16.
