“`html
Imran Khan Seeks Legal Protection from Military Custody
The founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has approached the Islamabad High Court to prevent his submission to military custody for trial in the May 9 cases. The High Court’s registrar’s office has raised concerns regarding the potential military custody of the former prime minister, leading to objections against his application to halt the trial.
An application was filed in the Islamabad High Court by lawyer Uzair Karamat Bhandari on behalf of Imran Khan, naming the Law Secretary, Interior Secretary, and the Federation as parties in the case. Additionally, the petition includes parties such as the IG Islamabad, IG Punjab, DG FIA, and IG Prisons.
The Punjab government is expected to decide whether to transfer Imran Khan’s case to a military court, according to Azam Nazir Tarr.
The petition aims to ensure that Imran Khan remains in civilian courts and custody, preventing his transfer to military custody. Lawyer Intizar Panjotha expressed concerns that Khan could be taken to military courts.
Objections to Imran Khan’s Military Trial Request
Concerns have been raised regarding Imran Khan’s request to halt a possible military trial. The Islamabad High Court’s Registrar’s Office questioned the validity of the application, stating that general relief cannot be sought without referencing a specific FIR or attaching relevant documents.
The registrar highlighted that it is questionable to file an application in the Islamabad High Court regarding Punjab cases, especially when the matter of military courts is currently pending in the Supreme Court.
On August 19, Imran Khan stated that the situation surrounding Lieutenant General (R) Faiz Hameed appears to be orchestrated to bring him before a military court, suggesting that efforts are being made to use General Faiz as a witness against him. He expressed concerns that since the remaining cases against him have been concluded, there is now a push to involve military courts to extract something from General (R) Faiz.
On August 25, Barrister Aqeel Malik, the government spokesperson for legal affairs, indicated that cases related to the May 9 violence against Imran Khan could potentially be tried in military courts.
“`
Imran Khan, the founding chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is seeking legal protection from being submitted to military custody for trial related to cases from May 9. He has filed an application in the Islamabad High Court, raising concerns regarding the potential for military custody and requesting that his trial remain in civilian courts.
The petition, submitted by lawyer Uzair Karamat Bhandari, lists several high-ranking officials and government bodies—including the Law Secretary, Interior Secretary, IG Islamabad, IG Punjab, DG FIA, and IG Prisons—as parties involved in the case. The Punjab government is also expected to make a decision on whether Khan’s case should be transferred to a military court.
Khan’s legal team, particularly lawyer Intizar Panjotha, has expressed concerns that transferring his case to military courts could infringe upon his rights. The request has met with objections, notably from the Islamabad High Court’s Registrar’s Office, which indicated that the application lacks a specific FIR or pertinent documentation, raising questions about the general relief sought.
Khan’s petition emphasizes the importance of maintaining his trial within the civilian judicial system and preventing any military intervention.