'Military Courts cannot sentence civilians', PTI announces to challenge the verdict

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected the sentences handed down by military courts to civilians as Party leader Omar Ayub stated that military courts have no jurisdiction to try or sentence civilians.

In a tweet, Omar Ayub condemned the military court verdicts against PTI detainees, terming them a violation of justice.

The leader of the opposition in the National Assembly emphasized that the detainees are ordinary citizens who cannot be tried in military courts, describing such courts sentencing civilians as "kangaroo courts" and arguing that they undermine the principles of justice.

“Military courts are not legitimate judicial partners of the state’s judicial power. Armed forces are part of the state's administrative apparatus, not the judiciary,” Ayub said.

He added that the establishment of such courts violates judicial independence and the constitutional principle of separation of powers, undermining the foundational features of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Former Speaker of the National Assembly and PTI leader Asad Qaiser also denounced the military courts' decisions, calling them a breach of fundamental human rights.

“These trials have failed to meet the standards of justice,” Qaiser remarked while expressing his disappointment with the Supreme Court’s stance on the matter, vowing to continue the struggle for justice.

“Citizens have been deprived of their basic rights. When courts are compromised, public trust erodes, leading to widespread despair. The current judicial system is paralyzed, which is a tragedy for the country,” he added.

Qaiser reaffirmed PTI's commitment to challenging the military courts’ verdicts and seeking justice through peaceful and legal means.

Earlier today, Military courts have sentenced 25 civilians to prison terms ranging from two to 10 years for their role in violent attacks on military installations during nationwide riots in May 2023.

According to the military's media wing(ISPR), the Field General Court Martial has sentenced 25 individuals in the first phase, following a thorough review of evidence and the completion of proper legal procedures.

"The convicted individuals, involved in attacks on key military sites including Jinnah House, the General Headquarters (GHQ), and Pakistan Air Force Base Mianwali, were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment, with 14 receiving 10-year terms and others shorter sentences," the statement said.

In describing the significance of the verdicts, the ISPR referred to the sentences as an “important milestone” in delivering justice to the nation. “It is also a stark reminder to all those who are exploited by the vested interests and fall prey to their political propaganda and intoxicating lies, to never take law in their own hands ever in the future,” the statement concluded.