Military courts have sentenced another 60 civilians, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s nephew Hassaan Khan Niazi, for their involvement in May 9 riots, the Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR) said Thursday.
As per the details, Niazi has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in the ransacking of Lahore Corps Commander’s residence (Jinnah House). Among other convicts was Mian Abad Farooq, a former PTI lawmaker from Lahore, who was sentenced to two years rigorous imprisonment.
“Sequel to the announcement of the May 9 punishments in light of the Supreme Court’s decision, the Field General Court Martial has promulgated the punishments to the following 60 culprits after examining all evidence, ensuring the provision of all legal rights to the convicts, completion of due process and the appropriate legal proceedings,” read a statement issued by the military’s media wing.
The latest sentences come just days after the ISPR announced that 25 civilians had been handed prison terms for their involvement in violent protests that broke out over Khan’s arrest in May last year. The demonstrations saw attacks on state establishments, including military installations across the country.
Thursday’s statement once again stressed that all individuals sentenced by military courts had the right to appeal the sentence as outlined by the law of the land. “The nation, government and armed forces remain resolute in their commitment to ensuring justice and upholding the inviolable authority of the state,” the ISPR concluded.
After months of deliberations over military court’s eligibility to try and sentence civilians, as many as 25 persons were last week convicted and sentenced for their involvement in May 9 attacks on state installations.
“Field General Court Martial have in [the] first phase promulgated the punishments to 25 accused,” read a statement issued by ISPR on Dec 21.
While the PTI demanded a judicial commission to probe last year’s events, the statement added that the promulgation of the sentences of remaining accused was also being done and will be announced shortly as and when the due process was completed.
It added that the nation on May 9 witnessed tragic incidents of politically provoked violence and arson at multiple places, marking a dark chapter in the history of Pakistan.
Building on a sustained narrative of hate and lies, the ISPR said, politically orchestrated attacks were carried out on the installations of the armed forces including the desecration of martyrs’ monuments.
“Many accused are also being tried in various Anti-Terrorism Courts and their cases are being pursued as per the law, however, justice would truly be fully served once the mastermind and planners of 9th May Tragedy are punished as per the Constitution and laws of the land,” the statement read.