Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has hinted that former Prime Minister Imran Khan may face a military trial, ARY News reports.
As reported by ARY News, during an appearance on a recent talk show, Khawaja had hinted at an apology from the PTI leadership over the May 9 incident before any dialogue.
Asif revealed that military courts tried 24 civilian cases during the PTI-led government. Most of these cases resulted in death sentences. He added that if authorities try Imran Khan in a military court, the trial should be open. This openness would reveal the negative intentions of Khan and his party.
BRIEF INFORMATION Khawaja Asif further added that the people should know the so-called plans of PTI regarding national institutions. He emphasized that referring Khan’s case to a military court is necessary for an open trial. This openness would reveal the plans. Khawaja Asif also pointed out that Khan continued his liaison with former ISI chief Faiz Hameed after May 9. According to Asif, both had a shared objective. This common goal drove their ongoing relationship.
On May 9, 2023, PTI supporters protested nationwide. Authorities had arrested Khan inside the Islamabad High Court.The protests quickly descended into riots as hundreds of protesters attacked military installations. PTI had called for widespread demonstrations against Khan’s arrest, thus contributing to the unrest.
Imran Khan has been lodged in the Adiala Jail since August 2023. He faces charges over many cases, especially the Toshakhana case, the cipher case, and the case of unlawful marriage. His wife, Bushra Bibi, has also been imprisoned for months now. However, courts have given a stay on Khan’s sentence regarding the Toshakhana case. Secondly, there have been annulling orders on the other convictions in the cipher case and the iddat case, Geo News reported.
Despite these developments, these legal contingencies have only managed to dwindle the chances of release for Khan. The Lahore Police declared his arrest in connection with various cases that relate to the May 9 riots that started after his arrest from the Islamabad High Court. The ongoing legal battles and a possible military trial do little but complicate this situation even further.
The situation reflects the broader political and legal struggle involving Imran Khan and his party. It highlights the complexities unfolding both on the streets and in the courts.
ANI
