IHC Registrar Raises Objections on Imran Khan's Petition to Halt Military Trial

The Islamabad High Court registrar's office raised objections to former Prime Minister Imran Khan's petition aimed at stopping his potential military trial related to the May 9 cases. The objections include missing FIR details, improper documentation, and the issue being sub judice in the Supreme Court. Imran's lawyer opposed military trials for civilians.

The Islamabad High Court registrar's office has raised several objections to former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's petition seeking to halt his potential military trial in connection with the May 9 cases, Geo News reported. Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), filed the plea under Article 199 of the Constitution amidst speculations about his impending military trial.

The registrar's office pointed out that the petitioner did not mention any specific first information report (FIR) and failed to attach necessary documentation. Questions were also raised about the jurisdiction of the Islamabad High Court, given that the cases were filed in Punjab. Moreover, the petition's timing was questioned since the matter of military trials is still under consideration in the Supreme Court.

Imran Khan's lawyer, Intezar Panjutha, emphasized that an ex-prime minister being tried in a military court is unprecedented. He cited a Supreme Court verdict stating civilians could not be tried in military courts. Last week, Pakistan's Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar indicated that the Punjab government might refer the PTI founder's case to a military court. This follows earlier hints by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif about the same possibility.

The May 9 riots erupted following Imran Khan's arrest, causing destruction to military installations. The Supreme Court had previously suspended a decision nullifying civilian trials in military courts, pending a final verdict on intra-court appeals. This development continues to stir political tensions in Pakistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)