3 military officers retired without pension for negligence in Jinnah House attack: AGP

Islamabad: In the trial case of civilians in military courts in the Supreme Court, Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Awan told the court that three senior army officers were retired without pension and benefits for negligence in the Jinnah House attack.

A seven-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan in the Supreme Court heard the trial case of civilians in military courts, during which Attorney General Mansoor Awan gave arguments.

During the hearing, the Attorney General told the court that the army took departmental action for negligence in the Jinnah House attack, and 3 senior officers were retired without pension and benefits.

The Attorney General told the court that those who retired without a pension include a Lieutenant General, a Brigadier, and a Lieutenant Colonel.

The Attorney General said that dissatisfaction was expressed with the performance of 14 officers who will not get further promotion.

Justice Jamal Mandokhel asked whether the army also took criminal action against any officer. The Attorney General replied that criminal action would have been taken only when a crime had been committed. The departmental action was taken for not preventing the May 9 incident.

Justice Jamal remarked that the Army Act is clear that criminal punishment will also be followed by departmental action. The Attorney General said that action was taken against officers who showed restraint.

Later, the court reserved the verdict on the completion of the hearing of the intra-court appeal on the decision to try civilians in military courts, which will be pronounced this week.