The government has endorsed the military’s decision to try Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters who stormed military and civil installations following the arrest of party chairman Imran Khan under the Army Act and Official Secrets Act, despite criticism from human rights quarters.
During the special Corps Commanders Conference (CCC) on Monday, the military top brass had decided to hold trials of PTI supporters under the Army Act and Official Secrets Act.
This development comes following the violent protests that erupted in the wake of former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest last week. The protesters stormed the military buildings, including Corps Commander Lahore’s residence and Pakistan Army headquarters in Rawalpindi. The protesters set ablaze a number of public and private properties as well.
Following the protests, the government has launched a crackdown against the PTI leaders and supporters, booking serval people under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
On Tuesday, a meeting of the National Security Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was held, which was attended by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Principal Secretary to PM Dr Tauqir Shah and others.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza and air force and naval chiefs also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the prime minister reiterated that the rioters would be arrested within 72 hours.
Expressing solidarity with the armed forces, the civilian leadership vowed to resolve their differences through dialogue.
During the meeting, it was also decided that social media platforms would be regulated to overcome the “propaganda patronised by foreign elements through local facilitation, and penalise the perpetrators”, Dawn reported.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has urged the authorities in Pakistan to not try civilians under military trials.
“It is alarming to note that the Pakistani Army has stated its intention to try civilians under military laws, possibly in military courts. Trying civilians in military courts is contrary to international law,” said Dinushika Dissanayake, Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International.
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