ISLAMABAD: During a session at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding Imran Khan’s potential military trial, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Munawar Iqbal Duggal informed the court that no decision has yet been made.
This clarification came in response to the court’s request for the government’s position on Khan’s military court proceedings.
The high court had previously directed the Ministry of Defence to provide a clear stance on Khan’s trial by military court during its hearing on September 16. The Ministry sought more time to prepare its response, leading to today’s proceedings.
Khan’s petition arises from the events of May 9, when military installations were vandalized following his arrest in a graft case.
His legal challenge was prompted by comments from senior government officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, which suggested the possibility of a military trial for his alleged role in the riots.
In July 2023, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore noted reasonable grounds linking Khan to the incidents of May 9. AAG Duggal indicated that if a decision were made regarding a military trial, it would follow legal protocols, beginning with a submission to a civil magistrate.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb of the IHC subsequently disposed of Khan’s petition, highlighting that no information regarding military detention or trials had been provided to the Ministry of Defence.
The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government had initiated military trials for those involved in the May 9 riots, but the Supreme Court later ruled such trials for civilians as null and void. This ruling was temporarily suspended, allowing military court proceedings to continue pending further judicial review.
Khan, now 71, has been imprisoned for over a year, facing multiple charges, including those related to the Toshakhana and cipher cases.
His wife, Bushra Bibi, has also been detained. While some of Khan’s convictions were overturned, recent arrests have complicated prospects for their release, particularly concerning new charges linked to the May 9 events.
