Imran Khan Seeks Court Protection Against Possible Military Trial

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court to prevent his possible trial in a military court. Khan is concerned about being court-martialed for his alleged involvement in May 9 riots, and cites constitutional and legal precedents to support his case.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to preclude a possible military trial related to May 9 riots. Khan's move follows the recent arrests, including that of former ISI Director-General, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (ret).

In his petition, Khan cited media reports suggesting Hameed may turn approver, potentially causing Khan to be transferred to military custody. Federal government spokesman for legal affairs, Barrister Aqeel Malik, substantiated these fears by claiming that court martial provisions under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, could be applicable to Khan.

Khan also referenced federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who indicated that the Punjab government had the discretion to refer his cases to a military court. Rumors have circulated in Islamabad's political circles about Khan's potential transfer to military authorities, though these have yet to be officially verified.

The deposed PM contended that a military court trial would violate Supreme Court rulings, specifically the 'Jawwad S Khawaja versus Federation of Pakistan' case, which deemed civilian trials through court martial unconstitutional. Khan's petition highlighted the illegalities in the army's custody practices of detainees connected to the May 9 events.

To ensure his trial remains in civilian courts, Khan urged the IHC to prevent his transfer to military custody and included respondents from multiple state departments in his petition.

(With inputs from agencies.)