Imran Khan’s Plea Against Military Trial to be Heard by Islamabad High Court
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has scheduled a hearing for former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s petition to stop his potential military trial related to the May 9 riots. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb will oversee the hearing, despite multiple objections from the IHC registrar’s office.
Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), filed the plea on September 3 under Article 199 of the Constitution. This comes amid statements from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, which have fueled speculations about a military trial for Khan.
Khawaja Asif mentioned that evidence against Khan makes a military trial likely, while Azam Nazeer Tarar indicated that the Punjab government might refer Khan’s case to a military court if deemed necessary.
The IHC registrar’s office raised objections, noting the plea lacked specific documentation and questioned its filing in the high court while the matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court.
In December 2023, the Supreme Court suspended its earlier order nullifying civilian trials in multiple courts related to the May 9 riots. The final verdict from the Supreme Court will determine the conditions for military trials.
Doubts Revealed
Imran Khan -: Imran Khan is a famous politician in Pakistan who used to be the Prime Minister. He is also known for being a cricket player before he entered politics.
Military Trial -: A military trial is a special kind of court where military officers decide if someone has broken the law, usually related to the military or national security.
Islamabad High Court -: The Islamabad High Court is a big court in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, where important legal cases are decided.
May 9 riots -: The May 9 riots refer to violent protests that happened in Pakistan on May 9, 2023. People were very angry and caused a lot of damage.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb -: Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb is a judge who works at the Islamabad High Court. He will be the one listening to Imran Khan’s case.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif -: Khawaja Asif is a politician in Pakistan who is in charge of the country’s defense, meaning he looks after the military and national security.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar -: Azam Nazeer Tarar is a politician in Pakistan who is responsible for the country’s legal system and laws.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in Pakistan. It makes the final decisions on very important legal matters.
Registrar -: A registrar in a court is an official who helps manage the court’s paperwork and schedules. They make sure everything is organized for the judges.
