Supreme Court Rejects Request to Allow Military Courts to Announce Verdicts in Civilian Cases

The Supreme Court has dismissed the government’s plea to permit military courts to issue verdicts in cases involving civilians. A seven-judge bench led by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan heard appeals challenging the invalidation of civilian trials in military courts.

During the hearing, Defense Ministry counsel Khawaja Haris argued that the Army Act extends to civilians associated with private entities working alongside the military. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar clarified that the case in question does not fall under this specific provision.

Justice Musarrat Hilali questioned whether there was any official notification validating the claim that corps commanders’ residences served as offices, expressing skepticism about its credibility.

Meanwhile, the Additional Attorney General sought permission for military courts to announce verdicts from concluded trials. Justice Hilali rejected the request, stating that allowing such action would imply recognition of the military courts’ jurisdiction over civilians—an acknowledgment the bench was unwilling to make.

The Supreme Court subsequently denied the government’s appeal and adjourned the session, rescheduling further hearings for tomorrow.