Counsel representing Defence ministry argues Army Act not limited to armed forces


Islamabad: Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar of the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday said that the civilians would not face a military trial merely for standing near an army checkpoint but certainly would it if they committed an offence listed under the Army Act.
The judge passed the remarks during a constitutional bench’s hearing of a case on appeals against decisions allowing civilian trials in military courts.
It came in response to Justice Musarrat Hilali’s concern over the “extension of powers” to try civilians under the Army Act, while the question remains whether the civilians can be tried in military courts.
Khawaja Haris, representing the Ministry of Defence, argued that the apex court had previously ruled that civilians could be court-martialed under specific circumstances.
At this, Justice Mandokhail raised constitutional concerns, questioning whether an executive body like the Ministry of Defence could act as both accuser and judge. “The constitution clearly prohibits the executive from performing judicial functions,” he remarked

Karachi's Soba Nagar transforms through collaborative WASH initiative
- 14 گھنٹے قبل

Woman dies after falling from Karachi building during drug raid
- 17 گھنٹے قبل

Four killed, three injured in separate terrorist attacks on police stations in KP
- 17 گھنٹے قبل
Five killed as coaster plunges into ravine in Azad Kashmir
- 16 گھنٹے قبل

Iran’s military vows retaliation in response to Trump’s threats
- 13 گھنٹے قبل

Byrd gets first ECU hit 3 years after amputation
- 2 گھنٹے قبل

One down, three to go: Chelsea on course for quadruple after League Cup win
- 2 گھنٹے قبل
New Zealand storms to nine-wicket win over Pakistan in first T20I
- 16 گھنٹے قبل
33 killed, dozens injured as tornadoes hit Central US
- 17 گھنٹے قبل
Fire at Kochani nightclub kills 51, injures over 100
- 17 گھنٹے قبل

FIA, IB receive praise from PM for dismantling human trafficking network
- 10 گھنٹے قبل

Ration distribution turns tragic in Karachi as elderly woman dies in stampede
- 11 گھنٹے قبل