Pakistan Issues Prison Terms to 60 Civilians for Attacks on Military Installations

Pakistani military courts have issued sentences to 60 civilians accused of involvement in violent attacks on military installations during nationwide riots on May 9, 2023. The verdicts mark the first time civilians have been tried under a military court.

The sentences were announced by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), with ten-year terms given to two individuals, including Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, for his involvement in an attack on Jinnah House. The remaining 58 individuals received prison terms ranging from 2 to 10 years. It is worth noting that all convicts retain the right to appeal and other legal recourses, as emphasized by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar. Tarar stated that the rights to a fair trial remain unaffected, and there is a clear legal process in place for those wishing to contest the verdicts.

According to reports, the individuals were found guilty of attacking various military and government installations, including the General Headquarters, following a High Court order granting military courts the authority to try civilians for the first time in Pakistani history. The move has been met with skepticism from some circles, who claim that such trials undermine the principles of democracy. However, Minister Tarar dismissed these concerns, stating that such trials are conducted in accordance with the law and only applied to those who directly attack defense institutions.

It is worth noting that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has disavowed any involvement in the May 9 riots, yet some have chosen to politicize the issue. Minister Tarar accused the PTI of intentionally making the issue of military courts controversial. Despite speculation, the Supreme Court's decision allowing military courts to try civilians was made on a case-by-case basis, and all convicted individuals can exercise their constitutional right to appeal.

The verdicts underscore the severity of the nationwide riots and the ongoing efforts to bring those responsible to justice. As the matter unfolds, it remains to be seen how the appeals process will play out and what further legal actions, if any, will be taken by those convicted.