ISLAMABAD: Military courts have sentenced 25 civilians to rigorous imprisonment ranging from two to 10 years for their involvement in violent attacks on military installations during the May 9, 2023, riots, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement issued on Saturday.
The sentencing follows the Supreme Court’s conditional approval allowing military courts to announce verdicts for 85 under-custody civilians implicated in the riots. The court emphasized that these announcements are subject to the final determination of pending appeals before the apex court.
Background of the Incident
The May 9 riots were triggered by the arrest of a former prime minister by paramilitary forces at the Islamabad High Court. The unrest, which lasted over 24 hours, saw attacks on key military sites, including Jinnah House in Lahore, the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Base in Mianwali. At least 10 people lost their lives, hundreds were injured, and public and military properties sustained damages amounting to Rs2.5 billion.
The military described the riots as “politically provoked violence,” orchestrated to destabilize the state. It called the events a “dark chapter” in Pakistan’s history.
Details of Sentences
The convictions were handed down by Field General Court Martial (FGCM) following detailed investigations and due legal processes. The majority of those sentenced received the maximum punishment of 10 years for their involvement in the most egregious acts of violence, including the Jinnah House and GHQ attacks.
- Ten-year sentences: 14 individuals, including Jan Muhammad Khan and Muhammad Imran Mehboob, for their role in the Jinnah House incident.
- Other sentences: Punishments ranged from nine years to two years for involvement in attacks on other military installations such as the PAF Base Mianwali and Punjab Regimental Centre in Mardan.
Legal Recourse and Future Trials
The ISPR emphasized that all convicts retain the right to appeal their sentences, as guaranteed under the law and the Constitution. It also noted that the cases of other accused individuals are still under review and their sentences will be announced upon the completion of due process.
Reactions
Political Parties:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) condemned the sentences, alleging that civilians had been tortured into giving false confessions. The party criticized the use of military courts for trying civilians.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif supported the convictions, stating that justice would only be complete when the planners behind the riots were held accountable.
Legal Community:
Lawyers expressed concerns over the use of military courts to try civilians. Barrister Basil Nabi Malik called it an “abomination” for a democracy and urged political leaders to safeguard democratic principles. Barrister Yasser Latif Hamdani stressed the need for judicial oversight to ensure that the fundamental right to a fair trial under Article 10A of the Constitution is upheld.
Implications for the Future
The military reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice against all individuals responsible for the May 9 tragedy, including its alleged masterminds. The ISPR warned against political propaganda aimed at destabilizing the state, calling for vigilance to prevent such incidents in the future.
This development highlights the ongoing tension between ensuring accountability and safeguarding democratic norms, with the Supreme Court’s final judgment set to play a decisive role in shaping the legal and political landscape.
