PTI to challenge military court sentences for May 9 'rioters'

Barrister Gohar demands formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events surrounding the May 9 riots

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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans to challenge the military court convictions of its workers and supporters, calling the trials of civilians in military courts a "blatant violation of justice."

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events surrounding the May 9 riots and the crackdown on PTI protesters on November 26.

His comments came shortly after the military court sentenced 60 more individuals to prison for their role in the May 9 violence, bringing the total number of those convicted to 85.

The military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed the sentences, noting that the convicts had been given a fair trial with the opportunity to appeal.

Among those sentenced was PTI founder Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, who received a 10-year prison term. The ISPR clarified that the military court had ensured the convicts' legal rights were upheld during the proceedings.

In response, Barrister Gohar announced that PTI would file individual appeals against the sentences, urging the Supreme Court to urgently address the issue of military trials for civilians.

PTI’s stance is echoed by opposition leader Omar Ayub, who criticised the military courts, asserting that only civilian courts should have the jurisdiction to convict civilians under the Constitution.

Ayub further pointed out that the military’s role is confined to defence, not judicial proceedings, emphasising the need for civilian trials in line with Pakistan’s constitutional framework.