PTI to move PHC against May 9 orders

PESHAWAR:

The PTI has decided to approach the provincial high court of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) against the convictions of dozens of its workers by military courts for acts of vandalism committed by them on May 9, 2023 after the arrest of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

Military courts last week announced their verdicts in two phases and convicted over 100 PTI workers who had been handed over to the army after the rioting incidents that took place across the county.

Under the leadership of Justice Lawyers Forum President Qazi Anwar Advocate, lawyers associated with the PTI are set to file appeals to overturn the sentences of the workers.

In a video message, Advocate Ali Zaman stated that the trial of civilians in military courts is illegal because false and unlawful cases were filed against party leaders and workers following the May 9 incidents, a fact well-known to the nation.

He said several workers were tried in military courts and sentenced, and legal action is being taken against these decisions. "Appeals against the verdicts of military courts are being prepared and will soon be submitted to the Peshawar High Court (PHC)," he said.

He expressed hope that the judiciary would deliver justice, provide the convicted individuals with an opportunity for a fair and transparent trial, and nullify their sentences. "All PTI leaders and workers who have been arrested are being provided free legal aid by the lawyers," he added.