ISLAMABAD, Jun 27 (NNI): Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday noted that there were some legal hurdles in prosecuting civilians in military courts, but added that the government would be able to remove the same.
Replying to various questions regarding the May 9 mayhem and its consequences during an interview to a private TV channel, the defence minister passed these remarks as he praised the military for moving ahead with the accountability process and taking actions against the responsible persons.
Khawaja Asif also said that blocking social media platforms was always an option and the government exercise the powers whenever required.
His comments were in reference to the government stance that the PTI used social media as a tool to incite hatred and violence against the state institutions in the country.
The same argument was repeated by the defence minister who said use of social media platforms was instrumental in inciting people to resort to violence, leading to the attacks on military installations and other state assets on May 9.
Khawaja Asif argued that the social media platforms were regulated in China and even in the developing world like Europe.
Earlier on Monday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, talking about the military courts case being heard in the Supreme Court, said: “The military courts did not come into existence after May 9, they were already functioning. The civil courts have transferred these cases to the military courts after checking evidence in line with law,” he said.
He made it clear that the suspects had legal rights including the right to appeal. “They also have the right to appeal in the Supreme Court. The Army Act has been part of the law and Constitution for decades.”
But on Tuesday, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan informed the Supreme Court that no civilian was being tried in military courts at the moment.
He made the claim during the hearing of the petitions filed against the trial of civilians in military courts.
Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Monday had asked the AGP to “reassure” him that no such trial would occur as long as the case was being heard in the court. NNI
