Amid political turmoil in Pakistan, its Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has said that there is a possibility that former Prime Minister Imran Khan may be tried in a military court for his alleged involvement in the May 9 incidents in which his party leaders were killed. Military and state installations were attacked by the activists. , The Express Tribune newspaper quoted Asif as saying that 70-year-old Khan could face trial in a military court if evidence of his involvement in the May 9 violence emerges in the coming days.
He also confirmed that no case has yet been registered against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief in connection with the May 9 attacks. Asked whether the ousted prime minister could be tried under the Army Act, the minister said, “Definitely… there is a possibility that Imran Khan could be tried in a military court.”
What happened on 9th May?
His comments came days after Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that Khan would be tried in a military court as the former prime minister was the “crafter” of the May 9 incidents. Khan’s party found itself in hot water on 9 May when protesters allegedly linked to the party attacked civilian and military properties following Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir corruption case.
Trials have begun for those involved in attacks on military installations in various parts of the country, including the attack on the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi as well as the attack on Jinnah House in Lahore, where the corps commander was staying.
Earlier, Asif was reported as saying that no decision had been taken regarding the prosecution of the cricketer-turned-politician under the Army Act, but he did not rule out the possibility that Khan may be involved in the May 9 violence. He was the mastermind behind and knew everything about what was happening that day.
The statements by both the defense and home ministers alluded to Khan’s trial in a military court stemming from the federal cabinet’s decision that protesters who vandalized military installations on May 9 would be prosecuted under the Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.
No new military courts will be established
Government ministers have repeatedly stated that no new military courts would be established and that suspects would be tried in “special permanent courts” that were already operating under the Army Act.
Army chief General Asim Munir also said that the conspirators, planners and executors of the May 9 attacks would be prosecuted under the Army Act and the Official Secrets Act, adding that no leniency would be shown towards those who attacked military installations .
Khan denied his involvement in the violence, saying he was in jail when the incidents took place. He has said that the ruling establishment is planning to keep him in jail for 10 years in a case of treason. Violent protests broke out in Islamabad on 9 May following Khan’s arrest by paramilitary Rangers. His party workers vandalized more than 20 military establishments and government buildings, including the Lahore Corps Commander House, the Mianwali Airbase and the ISI building in Faisalabad.
The Army Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was also attacked by the mob for the first time. Khan was later released on bail. The violence drew a strong response from the government and the military, with a pledge to act against the guilty, which continued to crack down on those involved. Law enforcement agencies have arrested over 10,000 workers of Khan’s Pakistan Party across Pakistan, of whom 4,000 are from Punjab.
Police put the death toll in the violent clashes at 10, while Khan’s party claimed 40 of its workers were killed in firing by security personnel. The Punjab Police had earlier claimed, citing a geo-fencing report, that Khan and his close aides had allegedly coordinated efforts to storm the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence and other buildings.