Military Courts
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has confirmed that the proposed 27th constitutional amendment will include provisions for establishing military courts.
In an interview with World Echo (WE News), he stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reassured allied political parties about the amendment’s introduction.
The amendment is expected to address issues related to the distribution of funds within Sindh’s local government system.
Sanaullah’s confirmation comes amidst reports of potential changes to laws governing military courts. However, this move has sparked opposition from key political figures.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who played a critical role in the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, has voiced strong opposition to the creation of military courts.
The government recently passed several constitutional amendments aimed at judicial reforms. These reforms include changes to the process of appointing top judges, following a series of decisions by the judiciary that have been favorable to opposition leader Imran Khan.
The changes modify how the Chief Justice of Pakistan is appointed and how judicial benches are formed. Another key amendment sets a deadline for phasing out interest-based banking (riba) by January 1, 2028, “as far as practicable.”
Sanaullah highlighted that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) is pushing for direct transfers of local government funds from the federal government to districts, arguing that provincial governments often fail to allocate these funds to the grassroots level effectively.
Regarding military courts, Sanaullah emphasized their necessity in regions like the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), where civilian courts are reluctant to operate due to security concerns.
He clarified that cases involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan would not fall under the jurisdiction of these military courts, stressing that such a scenario should not arise.
Additionally, Sanaullah denied rumors about former Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, being considered for the position of Chief Election Commissioner.
He also stated that retired judges would not participate in constitutional benches. Independent Senator Faisal Vawda echoed these sentiments on a television appearance, asserting that more amendments, including beyond the 27th, were forthcoming but refrained from offering specific details.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
