Supreme Court will intervene if martial law-like situation happens

If a martial law-like situation arises, then the Supreme Court will intervene, the apex court has said during a hearing on petitions against the trials of civilians in military courts.

Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial said that the present case is not related to the death penalty.

Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan describes the procedure of military trials in court.

A six-member larger bench headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Atta Bandial, is hearing the case. Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Justice Ayesha Malik are part of the larger bench.

The AGP said in his arguments that incidents like May 9 have never happened in the history. He also mentioned that the faces of the people involved in May 9 riots are very clear.

The Attorney General said that the court should adjourn further hearing for a month. In response, the chief justice said that the court will consult with each other and inform him about the next hearing date.

Journalist Hasnaat Malik tweeted after the hearing, “So final fate of civilian’s trial in military courts will be decided during next CJP era. CJP Bandial wants stay in commencement of civilians trials till his retirement. He also made it clear that there is no martial law in the country”.

So final fate of civilians trial in military courts will be decided during next CJP era. CJP Bandial wants stay in commencement of civilians trials till his retirement. He also made it clear that there is no martial law in the country. If anything happens then we will interfere'

— Hasnaat Malik (@HasnaatMalik) July 21, 2023