ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court of Pakistan’s Constitutional Bench has granted military courts the authority to announce verdicts, but the implementation of sentences or the release of individuals will be contingent on the results of pending appeals.
The court has permitted military courts to deliver judgments for 85 accused individuals. The ruling stipulates that those who are eligible for relief in their sentences should be released. Additionally, the verdict allows for the transfer of accused individuals to other courts post-sentencing.
In an update, the Additional Attorney General informed the court that 20 out of 103 accused have been released, and two more individuals were added to the list.
The Supreme Court emphasized that while military courts can proceed with issuing verdicts, final judgments will still be subject to the court’s rulings, ensuring that appellants’ rights are safeguarded and maintaining judicial oversight.
The hearing regarding the trial of civilians in military courts has been postponed until after the winter recess.
