Islamabad, December 21, 2024: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with the government, even as it termed the military court verdicts against individuals accused in the May 9 incidents as “illegal and unconstitutional.”
Speaking at a press conference, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, accompanied by senior leader Latif Khosa, criticized the military courts’ decisions, stating, “The military court verdicts are unconstitutional. However, we are still prepared to negotiate for the welfare of Pakistan.”
The press conference followed the military courts’ announcement of sentences ranging from two to 10 years for 25 individuals involved in the May 9 attacks on state installations. According to the military’s media wing, the sentences were issued by Field General Court Martial (FGCM), with all convicts retaining the right to appeal as per the law and Constitution.
The May 9 protests erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a corruption case, resulting in widespread unrest. Over 100 civilians face military trials, despite PTI’s insistence that it had no role in the attacks on military installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ). The party has demanded a judicial inquiry into the events.
Military trials, initially halted by a Supreme Court ruling, were recently resumed after a constitutional bench directed the conclusion of pending cases and sentencing of the accused.
During the press conference, Raja revealed that Imran Khan has set a deadline for negotiations, which could be extended. “The government has yet to approach us, but we are open to talks,” he said, warning that presenting Khan before a military court would mark a “dark day” for the nation. He invoked the past, mentioning Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s case, and appealed to powerful quarters to avoid actions that could tarnish Pakistan’s reputation.
Latif Khosa also condemned the military court verdicts as unlawful, questioning how military judges could try cases involving attacks on installations. “Military courts are for disciplinary actions against their personnel, not civilians,” he argued. He also called for the Supreme Court’s full bench to decide on the contentious 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub echoed these sentiments, rejecting the military court sentences. “The verdicts are against the principles of justice. Civilians cannot be tried in military courts,” he asserted.
The PTI has reiterated its call for adherence to constitutional principles and fair trials, emphasizing dialogue as a means to address the ongoing political crisis.
