Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan May Face Military Court for May 9 Riots
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan might face trial in military courts for his alleged involvement in the May 9 riots, according to Barrister Aqeel Malik, the Pakistan government’s spokesperson for legal affairs. The riots erupted after Imran Khan was taken by paramilitary Rangers from the Islamabad High Court in a corruption case. Malik claims the riots were premeditated and orchestrated by Khan, and the Army Act could apply due to attacks on military installations.
Details of the May 9 Riots
On May 9 last year, countrywide protests broke out after Imran Khan was taken by paramilitary Rangers from the Islamabad High Court in a corruption case. Social media was flooded with footage of rioting and vandalism at various locations, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Legal Proceedings
Imran Khan, already in jail, was arrested in these cases on July 15, a day after he and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were apprehended in a new Toshakhana case following their acquittal in the Iddat case. Barrister Malik stated that the events of May 9 invited the application of the Army Act since military installations were attacked and damaged.
Military Court Trial
Malik mentioned that it is entirely possible for Imran Khan’s trial to be held in a military court. He added that any conviction by a military court could be appealed at the military court of appeals, but not at the high court or Supreme Court. Once all appeal options are exhausted, a mercy appeal could be submitted to the army chief or the president.
Imran Khan’s Claims
Imran Khan previously claimed that there is a plan to try him in a military court and that former intelligence chief Lt-Gen (retired) Faiz Hameed was being forced to turn approver against him to pave the way for his trial in a military court for the May 9 cases.
Doubts Revealed
Imran Khan -: Imran Khan is a famous politician in Pakistan who used to be the Prime Minister. He is also a former cricket player.
Military Court -: A military court is a special court that deals with cases related to the armed forces. It is different from regular courts.
May 9 Riots -: The May 9 riots were violent events that happened in Pakistan on May 9. People were very angry and caused a lot of damage.
Barrister Aqeel Malik -: Barrister Aqeel Malik is a lawyer who speaks for the Pakistan government about legal matters.
Paramilitary Rangers -: Paramilitary Rangers are special security forces in Pakistan. They help maintain law and order.
Islamabad High Court -: The Islamabad High Court is a big court in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. It deals with important legal cases.
Corruption Case -: A corruption case is when someone is accused of doing illegal things to gain money or power. It is a serious crime.
Premeditated -: Premeditated means something that was planned before it happened. It wasn’t done by accident.
Orchestrated -: Orchestrated means carefully planned and organized. It is like arranging a big event.
Army Act -: The Army Act is a set of rules that govern the military in Pakistan. It includes laws about how soldiers should behave and what happens if they break the rules.
Military Installations -: Military installations are places where the army keeps its equipment, trains soldiers, and plans operations. They are very important for national security.