How can cases of civilians be tried under the Official Secrets Act: Peshawar High Court raises questions

A division bench of Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday heard petitions filed against trials in military courts of those accused of attacking military installations.

The bench consisted of Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah.

“How can cases of civilians be tried under the Official Secrets Act,” Justice Ibrahim questioned during the hearing, adsing that the cases require interpretation of the constitution.

The hearing has been adjourned till June 13.

On Wednesday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir presided over the 81st Formation Commanders Conference at GHQ, which was attended by Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers and all Formation Commanders of Pakistan Army.

The forum condemned the events of May 9, saying that “attackers of military installations would certainly be brought to justice speedily under the Pakistan Army Act and Official Secret Act which are the derivatives of the Constitution of Pakistan.”