Imran moves IHC against potential military custody

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan has moved Islamabad High Court against a potential trial of May 9 cases in the military court and his transfer to military custody.

A petition submitted by Imran Khan contended that Pakistan Army had taken a retired officer in its custody, adding if the officer testifies against him, he may be tried in a military court.

The petitioner pleaded the court to issue orders for keeping him in the ambit of civilian courts. He also requested the court to issue directives to prevent him from being handed over to military custody.

Reports are doing the round regarding the possible transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to military custody for his trial in the May 9 and May 10 cases. Observers are of the view that the petitioner would be tried in the military court, highlighted the petition.

The petitioner also expressed apprehensions regarding May 9 cases' trial in the military court that were also reported in the media.

The petition named the federal government through ministries for law, interior and defence, IG Islamabad police, IG Punjab police, IG Punjab Prisons, Superintendent Adiala Jail and FIA as respondents.

However, the Registrar Office has raised objections on the plea, noting how general relief can be sought without giving reference to a specific FIR.

It pointed out that no order or document was attached with the request, adding how a plea can be filed in IHC for the cases in Punjab.

It also raised the point as to how a plea could be filed in the high court when the matter of military trial was already pending in the Supreme Court.