Pakistan Army hinted at the possibility of a military trial for former Prime Minister Imran Khan, issuing a stern warning that any use of military personnel for personal or political gains could lead to legal action.
Military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, speaking at the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) office located in the General Headquarters, explained, “Under military law, any individual who exploits personnel subject to the Army Act for personal or political purposes, with clear evidence, will face the full course of legal action.” This statement pointed to the potential for a military trial under specific conditions that apply to civilians.
When asked about the prospect of a military trial for Imran Khan, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry deflected, saying the matter was sub judice, and that the journalist’s question was hypothetical. However, he outlined the circumstances under which a civilian could indeed be tried under military law, referencing Section 2(d)(i) of the Army Act. This section allows the Act’s jurisdiction to extend to civilians who undermine the loyalty of military personnel to the state.
Speculation about Mr. Imran Khan’s military trial gained momentum after he filed a plea with the Islamabad High Court, aiming to prevent a court martial in connection with the 9 May 2023 violence. His concerns were amplified by the possibility that former spy chief Faiz Hameed could become an approver against him. This speculation appeared validated by a statement from the government’s legal affairs spokesperson, suggesting that Khan could be tried under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952.
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During the briefing, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry addressed various related issues, including the ongoing court martial proceedings against a senior officer. He highlighted that the army’s accountability system ensures no one is above the law and reaffirmed that the military neither supports nor opposes any political party, remaining firmly within its professional and constitutional boundaries.
Also Read: Imran Khan Demands Open Court Martial Trial For General Faiz Hameed
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also touched on counter-terrorism efforts, revealing that over 32,000 intelligence-based operations were conducted in the first eight months of this year, resulting in the elimination of 90 militants. However, he criticized the lack of progress in the “build and transfer” phases of anti-terror operations, a responsibility of the civilian government. The general further noted the challenges posed by increased facilitation of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants from across the Afghan border since the return of the Taliban.
