ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) accepting Attorney General (AG) plea has conditionally allowed military courts to announce reserved judgments. In such cases decisions be announced where nominated accused can be released before Eid. Court directed AG to file implementation report with registrar. Court has also accepted plea of KP government for withdrawing appeal pleas. KP government had requested for withdrawing appeal pleas’

Six-member larger bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Azhar Hasan Rizvi, Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan took up appeals for hearing. During AG showed possibility of releasing 15 percent to 20 percent accused by special courts.

AG informed court that acquittal related and those with less punishment will be released by granting them concession.  Overall 105 accused are in custody of Army. We will have to pass through three phases in connection with release of accused. First phase is announcing reserved judgment and second phase will be its endorsement. Third phase will be grant of concession by Army Chief to those who have been awarded lesser sentences. AG requested court to allow military courts to announce reserved judgment. Justice Aminuddin Khan remarked if we give permission it will be linked to final decision of appeals. Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi remarked tell us name of those who have to be released.

AG said he cannot tell name unless decisions come from special courts.  Those whose punishment is one year will be given concession.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 29 2024

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