Supreme Court Greenlights Military Trials: Navigating Justice, Security, and Martyrs’ Families’ Struggle

Supreme Court Greenlights Military Trials: Navigating Justice, Security, and Martyrs’ Families’ Struggle
(By Mehmood Baloch)
The Pakistan Supreme Court issued a significant verdict on Wednesday, granting approval for military courts to conduct trials involving over a hundred civilians accused of attacking a military installation and monuments commemorating martyrs on May 9. The decision has sparked reactions from various quarters, with emotions running high among the families of the martyrs, armed forces, and law enforcement agencies.
In response to the verdict, Nawabzada Jamal Khan Raisani, the Patron-in-Chief of the Balochistan Shuhda Forum, expressed his support, highlighting the decision’s positive impact on the families of the martyrs. Notably, he had previously appealed to the Supreme Court through the Shuhda Forum, contending that the suspension of civilian trials in military courts lacked a thorough review and consideration of relevant laws and facts.
The aftermath of the events on May 9 has left a profound impact, with thousands of civilians losing their lives in the ongoing struggle against terrorism. This loss has intensified the demand for justice, and the decision to halt military court trials had further deepened the pain for the affected families. The recent verdict to resume these trials is seen as a crucial development in addressing their grievances.
Nawabzada Jamal Khan Raisani passionately conveyed the anguish experienced by the families of the martyrs, noting that the suspension of military court trials had exacerbated their wounds. He underscored that these families perceive the attackers as terrorists, casting a shadow over the sanctity of the memorials dedicated to the fallen heroes. Raisani firmly asserted that peace cannot be achieved by releasing individuals deemed as terrorists. Following the recent Supreme Court verdict, he expressed his satisfaction through a tweet on X (formerly known as Twitter) and officially welcomed the decision in a press release issued by the Shuhda Forum Balochistan.
Some observers view the resumption of military court trials as a crucial step toward achieving justice and closure for the families of the martyrs. They hope that this measure will serve as a deterrent against future attacks on military sites.
Looking ahead, Nawabzada Jamal Khan Raisani expresses hope that the Supreme Court will soon permit military courts to pronounce judgments, providing a measure of resolution to these highly sensitive cases. The ongoing debate surrounding the role of military courts in civilian trials is expected to persist, influencing the delicate balance between national security imperatives and the fundamental principles of justice in society.