SC not to allow constitutional violations by armed forces: CJ

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial said Thursday armed forces would not be allowed to resort to any constitutional violations as he heard pleas challenging the trial of civilians in military courts.

A six-member bench, led by CJP and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Justice Ayesha Malik conducted hearing into the case.

Read more: SC turns down full court plea in military courts case

Regretting the events that transpired on May 9, the top judge said he doesn’t want a situation where the army is pitted against the citizens of Pakistan.

While appreciating the restraint shown by the armed forces in face of provocation, Justice Bandial, however, cautioned the military against any illegal steps in an attempt to bring the perpetrators to justice.

During the hearing, Justice Bandial made it categorically clear to the Attorney General (AG) Mansoor Usman Awan that military trial of the accused cannot start till the apex court decides the case.

“The court order on the provision of facilities to the suspects in custody shall remain applicable”, he further added.

Earlier, the AGP informed the apex court the accused were charged under the relevant clauses of the Official Secrets Act.

Mansoor Awan said that if a civilian committed a crime related to the armed forces, they could be tried in military courts.

The hearing into the case was then adjourned sine dine due to unavailability of the judges.