Islamabad High Court Lifts Stay Order on Death Sentences of Ex-Navy Officers

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has lifted its stay order on the execution of five former naval officers who were sentenced to death in connection with the 2014 dockyard attack case. The court also disposed of the appeals filed by the ex-officers regarding the provision of documents related to their case.

The ex-navy officers, including Arslan Nazir Satti, Muhammad Hammad, Muhammad Tahir Rashid, Hammad Ahmed, and Irfanullah, were convicted and sentenced to death by court-martial. However, the officers sought access to certain documents related to the inquiry report and the decision made during their trial. During the hearing, their lawyer argued that while they were allowed to view the report in the presence of a public prosecutor, they were not provided copies of the documents, but were instead allowed to take notes.

Following the statement from the petitioners’ lawyer, the IHC disposed of the case and lifted the stay on the death sentences. The court’s decision clears the way for the execution of the sentences, which were originally handed down in the aftermath of the dockyard attack case, involving charges of espionage and sabotage.