Military courts case: Khawaja Haris likely to complete his arguments today

ISLAMABAD: The seven-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Aminuddin resumed hearing of the appeals case related to the trial of civilians in military courts. The bench includes Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Musarrat Hilali, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Shahid Bilal.

Defense Ministry’s lawyer Khawaja Haris is giving his reply arguments. At the start of the hearing Justice Mandokhail said to the counsel, “You should complete the arguments in 20 minutes.”

The counsel replied that not in 20 minutes, “but I will complete the arguments today.” The Additional Attorney General said that if Khawaja Haris completes his reply arguments today, then Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan will give his arguments tomorrow.

Addressing the counsel, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar said, “The Act also provides some fundamental rights. Rangers and FC personnel approach the Service Tribunal against dismissa.” Justice Mandokhail asked, “Does the IG in the police hear the appeal, or does the SP conduct the case? An independent forum is also available in India. No arrest can be made without an FIR, nor can anyone be detained without a magistrate’s order.”

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Justice Mazhar said, “Cases were registered under the Official Secrets Act against the accused in the May 9 incidents. The army did not register any FIR directly,” adding, “The civilians were handed over to the army through the anti-terrorism courts.”

“Whether it was right to give him custody or not is a separate debate,” Justice Mazhar said.

Justice Mandokhail remarked, “This case will have profound implications for the future. FB Ali case is still being discussed after so many decades.”

The bench then moved to adjourn the hearing until tomorrow. Khawaja Haris will continue rebuttal arguments tomorrow as well. The court instructed him to complete arguments in 30 minutes tomorrow. Justice Aminuddin Khan said that the Attorney General will also give his arguments tomorrow.

Khawaja Haris said that if the judges had not asked so many questions, he would have completed his arguments today. Justice Musarrat Hilali responded, “Put the responsibility of tomorrow on me, I will not let anyone ask questions.” Justice Mandokhail added, “I assure you, I will not ask any questions now.” Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi said, “You had stopped Faisal Siddiqui from mentioning FB Ali’s name, now FB Ali’s name is mentioned every day.”