Military trial of Imran Khan over May 9 cases ‘quite possible’: PML-N lawyer Malik – Pakistan

Government legal spokesman Barrister Aqeel Malik has hinted that the cases of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan related to the violence on May 9 last year may go before military courts.

On May 9 last year, nationwide protests broke out after the paramilitary Rangers abducted Imran from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a corruption case. As the protests were going on, social media was flooded with footage showing rioting and vandalism at various locations, including the Lahore Corps Commander's residence and the Army Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

The already jailed former prime minister was “arrested” in these cases on July 15 – just a day after he and his wife Bushra Bibi were arrested in a new Toshakhana case after being acquitted in the Iddat case.

In an interview on DawnNewsTV program Doosra Rukh On Friday, lawyer Malik was asked whether he thought Imran could be tried in a military court following the arrest of former intelligence chief (retd Lt. General) Faiz Hameed, to which he replied, “Yes, absolutely.”

He said the events and vandalism of May 9 necessitated the use of the Army Act as military installations were attacked and damaged. He claimed that the PTI founder orchestrated and “properly directed” last year's unrest.

“It was deliberate. It was planned in advance,” Malik said.

Referring to military courts, he also said: “It is quite possible that Imran Khan's trial will take place in a military court and the reason for this is that the Army Act will be applied.”

He said many people said any conviction of a military officer could be appealed to the Supreme Court, but he added that neither the High Court nor the Supreme Court could deal with it.

“According to the law, the appeal in this case would be before the Military Appeals Court,” Malik explained.

He added that once all avenues of appeal have been exhausted, the only last resort would be to appeal for clemency to the Army Chief or the President.

Imran has previously claimed there were plans to try him in a military court. He claimed Hameed was forced to turn against him to pave the way for his trial in a military court on May 9.