Clarification sought from federal govt regarding Khan’s military trial

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Thursday sought an explanation from the federal government regarding the military trial of Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former prime minister.

IHC Justice Mianhul Hasan Aurangzeb heard the petition regarding possible military detention and trial of founder PTI Imran Khan with objections. Advocate Uzair Bhandari appeared in the court on behalf of the petitioner.

During the hearing, the court sought an explanation from the Attorney General's Office, while Assistant Attorney General Azmat Bashir Tarar was summoned to the rostrum.

Justice Miangul Hassan remarked that the ministers threatened the military trial of Imran Khan who is a civilian and the military trial of a civilian is a cause of concern for the petitioner and the court. The petitioner's counsel said that there has been a statement from the Director General (DG) Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), if so, a clear stand should come from the federation.

The court said that today we say that there is nothing yet and tomorrow you bring an order for a military trial, then what will happen? Take instructions from the federal government and inform the court clearly on Monday.

The Additional Attorney General requested to decide the objections raised on the application first. On which Justice Miangul Hassan said that he was removing the objections of the Registrar's Office on the application.

Aurangzeb remarked: “There is a decision of the Supreme Court regarding the trial of civilians in military courts. If nothing happens then the application will become ineffective and if something is considered then we will hear and decide the case”.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing of the case till September 16, seeking an explanation from the federal government regarding the military trial of Imran Khan.