• Imran’s nephew Hassaan Niazi, two retired army and PAF officers among those sentenced.
• The last batch marks the conclusion of the trials of those detained in military custody
• A total of 85 civilians sentenced to between two and ten years of “rigorous imprisonment”
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army announced on Thursday that the remaining 60 Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) activists have been convicted by the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) for their involvement in the violent May 9 protests.
“The General Field Martial Court has promulgated the punishments to the following 60 remaining culprits after examining all the evidence, ensuring the provision of all legal rights to the convicted, the completion of due process and appropriate legal procedures,” reported the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, in a statement.
Those sentenced include Hassaan Khan Niazi, nephew of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, and two retired armed forces officers. Days earlier, 25 other people were convicted of the same charges.
The 85 men were sentenced to between two and ten years of “rigorous imprisonment,” marking the conclusion of the trials of those detained in military custody for attacks on army facilities and monuments.
In total, 16 people were sentenced to 10 years, 11 to nine years, two to eight years, six to seven years, 10 to six years, two to five years, 13 to four years, three to three years and 22 to two years. . .
Among the retired officers whose sentences were announced Thursday was Javed Akram, a 76-year-old retired brigadier who received six years of rigorous imprisonment for his role in the Jinnah House attack. He was the oldest person prosecuted by the FGCM for the attacks.
Also sentenced was Group Captain Viqas Ahmed Mohsin, a retired Air Force officer who received a two-year sentence for his involvement in the same incident. Both officers had retired at the time of the May 9 riot.
Among other notable people was PTI leader Abbad Farooq, whose case sparked controversy following the death of his son, Ammar Abad Farooq, last year following his arrest. Abbad has received a rigorous two-year prison sentence.
Also, Mian Muhammad Akram Usman, former PTI MPA from 2018 to 2023 and whose father remained MNA from 1988 to 1993, was given a two-year sentence in the same case.
Haider Majeed, a PTI lawyer, also received a two-year sentence for his role in the attack. Majeed was arrested along with Hasaan Niazi from Abbottabad.
‘The sentence is in accordance with the ruling of the TS’
The military noted that the sentence is in accordance with the ruling of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of December 13, which conditionally allowed the announcement of FGCM verdicts in civil cases related to the May 9 attacks.
According to the court’s ruling, these verdicts remain subject to the final decision on appeals against the Supreme Court’s verdict of October 23, 2023 that declared civil trials by the FGCM null and void, repealing Section 2 (1d) of the Army Law. who authorized such procedures.
The May 9 riots broke out following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. Hundreds of PTI workers were arrested and a total of 105 cases were referred for trial before military courts. Prior to these recent verdicts, 20 people sentenced to less than three years in prison were released in April, ahead of Eidul Fitr, following a remission granted by army chief General Asim Munir.
“The May 9 trial of the accused in military custody has now been concluded as per relevant laws,” ISPR said.
The announcement of the first batch of verdicts drew strong condemnation from the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, which criticized the trials as incompatible with democratic norms and human rights standards. Concerns were also raised about the transparency and fairness of the procedures.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a statement from Adiala jail, rejected the sentencing of civilians by the FGCM as unconstitutional, alluding to international criticism.
“These decisions are tarnishing Pakistan’s international reputation, and such inhumane actions could subject the country to economic sanctions. Such decisions are a slap in the face to the so-called ‘constitutional court,’” he said, referring to the newly formed Supreme Court bench after the 26th Amendment.
“All convicted persons retain the right to appeal and seek other legal remedies, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the law,” the ISPR added.
While international criticism has not deterred the military from concluding the trials, the latest statement on sentencing was noticeably less assertive compared to the previous announcement. Previous rhetoric about going after the “masterminds and planners” of the May 9 incidents was absent from the latest press release.
“The nation, the government and the armed forces remain committed to upholding justice and ensuring the inviolable mandate of the State,” the ISPR said.
Meanwhile, former ISI chief Faiz Hameed, who is facing court-martial proceedings for alleged abuse of authority, involvement in politics and violation of the anti-espionage law, is also being investigated by the army over the events of 9 May. Furthermore, government officials have hinted at the possibility of PTI founder Imran Khan being brought before the FGCM over similar allegations.
Published in Dawn, December 27, 2024
