Govt defends trials of civilians in military courts

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Monday asked the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) to dismiss pleas against trials of civilians in military courts.

“Actions under both the acts are in accordance with the law,” said the federal government in its reply submitted through Attorney General of Pakistan, Mansoor Awan.

The government argued that the Official Secrets Act and Army Act are older than the constitution and that trials under them do not affect a person’s fundamental rights.

SC to resume hearing against military courts:

The Supreme Court of Pakistan will resume hearing petitions challenging the trial of civilians in military courts on July 18.

Read more: SC to resume hearing military courts case on July 18

A six-member bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial including, Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Ma­­zahar Ali Akbar Naqvi will hear the case.

On June 27, the court adjourned the hearing into the case till the third week of July.