Trial for May 9 attacks should be fair: CJP

By Muhammad JuniadPublished On 19 Jul 2023

Islamabad: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Atta Bandial Wednesday said the attacks of May 9 are undoubtedly serious that have never happened, however the trial for the accused should be fair.

According to details, a six-member bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial comprising Justice Ija-ul-Ahsan, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ayesha Malik heard the case.

When the hearing started today, Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan started the arguments, saying: “I will give arguments related to my written answer that I will read because I want to present the timeline of the events of May 9”.

Military installations and property were damaged in various areas between 3:00pm and 7:00 pm on the day. The plane used by MM Alam was vandalized in Mianwali, Corps Commander House Lahore was severely damaged, 62 places were attacked in Punjab in which 52 people were injured said Mansoor Awan.

He continued his arguments stating that on May 9, property was damaged to the tune of 2.5 billion rupees, military installations were damaged to the tune of 1.5 billion rupees.

The Attorney General added that 149 vehicles were damaged. On the occasion, he presented the photographs of the events of May 9 and 10 in the court.

The AGP further said: “The attackers entered the General Headquarters (GHQ) by attacking gate number one, the soldier statue in GHQ was broken, the Army History Museum in GHQ Rawalpindi was attacked and the Army Signals Officers Mess was attacked”.

He also presented the photos of Corps Commander House Lahore to the bench saying that attackers used petrol bombs on May 9.

Chief Justice Umar asked whether the protesters attacked the mosque as well. Responding to which Attorney General said the protesters also attacked the mosque inside the corps commanders house. One of the attackers was wearing the corps commanders uniform, military officers are not inclined to fight the protesters like the police.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan said, "Are you saying that soldiers only know how to shoot?" On this, the Attorney General responded that military officers are not taught to disperse such groups.

Military installations in Gujranwala and the ISI office in Faisalabad were attacked, ambulances were burnt near the High Court in Peshawar, Bannu Camp was also attacked. CMH Abbottabad was under attack, Motorway Toll Plaza was also burnt.

Mansoor Usman said that attacks were carried out on May 9 and 10 under a well-thought-out plan. In Rawalpindi Bar Case, the offenses of a civil nature were brought under the Army Act.

Justice Mazhar Naqvi said that the situation was different at that time, constitutional amendment was made for trial under the Military Act. Attorney General said the crimes under which the charges were filed in the May 9 incidents come under the Army Act.

Justice Mazhar Naqvi asked whether the people you want to try are civilians and if a civilian can be tried without considering Article 175/2.

The Chief Justice said: “The point is that you are saying that the events of May 9 were the first of their kind. According to you, no civilian had ever attacked military installations before May 9”.