The Senate on Monday passed a resolution, calling upon the Supreme Court (SC) to reconsider its decision about trial in military courts.
The resolution which moved by Senator Dilawar Khan in the Houses says, “ The Senate of Pakistan calls upon the apex court to reconsider its decision, urging alignment with the national security paradigm and sacrifices of the martyrs in order to address the concerns raised regarding the ramifications of the judgment on the security and stability of the nation”.
The invalidation of the jurisdiction of army courts is likely to facilitate vandals and abettors of terrorism and anti-state activities. Military courts have played a pivotal role in delivering justice, particularly concerning acts of terrorism, often instigated by neighboring adversaries within Pakistan’s borders.
The resolution says, “ resonating the concerns and sentiments expressed by various stakeholders in particular and public in general, regarding the recent judgment of the Supreme Court that declared Section 2(D)(1) & 59 (4) of the Army Act unconstitutional;
Taking exception to overriding an Act of Parliament, which was well within the previous and exiting scheme of constitutional and legislative framework and duly enacted under the legislative competence of the Parliament. Prima facie an attempt has been made to rewrite the law by impinging upon the legislative authority of the Parliament”.
It reiterated that the trial of those accused of violence against the armed forces under the Army Act is an appropriate and proportional response in line with Pakistan’s existing constitutional framework and statutory regime. Within the country’s constitutional framework, the trial of individuals accused of anti-state vandalism and violence under the Army Act serves as a deterrent against such acts;
Firmly standing with the families of martyrs, who have made significant sacrifices for the country, and have expressed feelings of insecurity and treachery due to this decision. Their concern that absence of military court trial is likely to encourage or embolden those responsible for acts of terrorism due to lack of stringent justice in regular courts, is fully endorsed.
“Noting with concern that judgment annuls the sacrifices made by martyrs of the Armed Forces, civilians and Law Enforcement Agencies in combating terrorism. Military courts have played a significant role in addressing terrorism by ensuring that those responsible for terrorist acts are brought to justice. However, this judgment while abandoning the spirit of martyrdom, grants lenient option to terrorists, anti-state actors, foreign agents, and spies to be tried in normal courts” it further said.
The resolution says, “Dismayed that the apex Court has not taken into consideration the existing procedures which make it abundantly clear that the sentences given by Military Courts are not arbitrary and are conducted following due process and formalities. While interpreting a certain provision the overall scheme that the certainty of well deserved & warranted punishment, rather than its severity, is a crucial deterrent, has been missed. The existence of an appeal process against Military Court orders, which involves appeal avenues with the Chief of Army Staff and the President, as well as the option to file writ petitions in High Courts that may eventually reach the Supreme Court, has been overlooked. The provisions of the Army Act and underlying procedures ensure that the right to a fair trial under Article 10A of the Constitution is not violated”.
It reaffirmed that 9th of May will be remembered as a dark day in the history of the country and condemns the anti-state acts committed against the Armed forces, which the enemies of Pakistan cannot even dare to think of committing. The Culprits of 9th May, who blatantly attacked Defence installations and disgracefully dismantled memorials of martyrs, deserve no empathy or leniency rather they should be tried in Military Courts and stringent punishments be given to make them an example for internal and external enemies to Pakistan by creating a deterrence and upholding the supremacy of State.
The resolution recalled that amendment to the Army Act, specifically the addition of Section 2(1)(d), allowing for the trial of civilians who commit offenses like attacking military installations by military courts was carried in 1967. Civilians have been tried in military courts in the past under this provision, and sentences have also been duly carried out. More so, the previous decisions of the Apex Court have upheld trials under the Army Act by a majority.
The Bench which announced the recent judgement was not in unanimity as opposed to the previous benches which upheld trials of civilians under the Army Act, hence the decision is legally flawed and should not be implemented unless it is considered by a larger bench, it said.
