Military court convicts to have right to appeal: law minister
ISLAMABAD
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar expressed on Wednesday that trials under army laws meet the ‘globally acknowledged minimum requirements’ that form the basis of a fair trial.
Tarrar enjoys a reputation as a criminal lawyer amid main role in Bar politics. Soon after attending the meeting of the Supreme Judicial Council in Islamabad on Wednesday he was talking to the top court reporters.
To lend strength to his argument, he particularly cited Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966 regarding a fair trial, which he said gave the right to appoint a counsel of choice, reduce defence evidence, have access to the relevant record and seek a judicial review.
The army laws “covered all these [aspects] and that is why it is said that they meet the internationally acknowledged minimum requirements pertaining to the procedure and law”, he added.
When asked whether any “special considerations” were being mulled regarding the trial of women under army laws, the minister replied saying (Matters pertaining to military trials) will be decided according to the operation of the law. It is not the choice of the federal government or any institution.
“The relevant institution will proceed on this in line with how they are satisfied with the [available] material.” However, he continued, no case of women had been referred to the military court till now. The minister’s remarks come amid concerns over the government’s decision to try May 09 suspects under army laws.
On May 9, countrywide protests erupted after the paramilitary Rangers had whisked away PTI chief Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court in a corruption case. While the protests were under way, public and private properties, including military installations, were attacked and vandalised.
Subsequently, the army termed the day a “dark chapter” and announced around a week after the incidents its intent to try the rioters under relevant laws, including two military laws — the Pakistan Army Act and Official Secrets Act.
