Asad Qaiser voices concerns over military court rulings

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Asad Qaiser has expressed regret over the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to allow civilian cases to be tried in military courts.

Speaking to media representatives at the High Court, Qaiser emphasized the party's stance on an independent judiciary and the rule of law, saying, “We want an independent judiciary, we want the rule of law in this country. It is regrettable that the Supreme Court has allowed cases of civilians to be tried in military courts.”

Qaiser also addressed the cases registered against PTI members by the state, calling them a matter of concern. “We are sorry for the cases registered against us by the state,” he stated.

He went on to mention the discussions held by the party the previous day, highlighting three main points they had raised: the treatment of PTI workers, the release of arrested individuals, and a demand for a judicial inquiry into the incidents of May 9 and November 24.

“We are against pressure on the courts, we want decisions to be made freely in the court,” Qaiser said. He stressed that the matter had been presented to the nation, adding, “There is no guarantee.”

The PTI leader further criticized the numerous cases filed against PTI chairman Imran Khan, describing them as revengeful.

He pointed out that the excessive number of cases had diluted the significance of serious charges, saying, “So many cases have been made that the importance of important cases has been lost. Cases of terrorism, murder and treason have been registered against parliamentarians.”

Qaiser also reaffirmed PTI's commitment to peaceful protests, stating, “Peaceful protest is the right of every citizen.” He emphasized that no PTI worker had engaged in violent acts, adding, “No worker of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has broken even a single flower pot.” He concluded by reiterating that the party’s struggle was for the supremacy of the constitution and laws.

As many as 25 civilians involved in violent attacks on military installations during the nationwide May 9, 2023 riots were sentenced two to 10 years in prison by military courts on Saturday.

On December 13, the seven-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court allowed military courts to announce the decision of under custody civilians pertaining to the May 9 incidents, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement following the verdict.

The sentences have been pronounced after a complete investigation of all evidence and fulfilling all legal procedures. The convicted persons have also been provided complete legal rights to fulfill the legal requirements, it further stated.

"On May 9, the nation witnessed politically provoked violence and arson at multiple places, marking a dark chapter in the history of Pakistan," the military's media wing said. "Building on a sustained narrative of hate and lies, politically orchestrated attacks were carried out on the installations of the armed forces, including desecration of the monuments of Shuhada," it added.

"These blatant acts of violence not only shocked the nation but also underscored the necessity of checking this unacceptable attempt of political terrorism to impose own perverted will through violence and coercion," ISPR added.