As Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), faces numerous legal challenges, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has indicated that it is increasingly likely the former prime minister will undergo a military trial. Asif stated on Saturday that the evidence suggests a military trial is forthcoming for Khan, and noted that such trials have occurred before and will continue in the future.
This development follows Khan’s petition to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to prevent a potential military trial related to his alleged role in the May 9 riots, which targeted military installations. The petition, filed under Article 199 of the Constitution, faces complications. The IHC registrar’s office has raised objections due to the lack of specific first information reports (FIRs) or supporting documents and questioned whether a high court petition is appropriate given that the issue of military trials is currently under review by the Supreme Court.
The PTI has denied that Khan will face a military trial. In December 2023, the Supreme Court suspended its earlier order, which had declared military trials of civilians in relation to the May 9 riots invalid. This suspension was a response to intra-court appeals from the federal and provincial governments and the defence ministry. The December 13 ruling stated that military court trials would proceed based on the Supreme Court’s final decision on these appeals.
Regarding the May 9 riots, Asif emphasized that the key issue is why Khan organized protests outside military installations and suggested that there might have been deliberate attempts to target the military. He implied that the coordination of these protests could be traced back to Khan.
In a separate matter, Asif commented on the recent arrest of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid, who faces allegations of land grabbing and theft. According to Asif, Faiz had sought the position of army chief and had contacted the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership, offering his loyalty in exchange for support for his bid. After the appointment of the current army chief, Faiz’s dissatisfaction grew.
Asif speculated that Faiz might now attempt to deflect blame onto Khan, suggesting that both Faiz and Khan had failed to incite a military uprising after losing power.
