The war-mongering General of Pakistan, Asim Munir gets relief from its Supreme Court. In a recent move, the top court has handed over more power to ‘Hafiz-e-Quran’. Pakistan’s top court has made an important decision that allows civilians to be tried in military courts. This decision could give more unchecked power to the military, which is already accused of weakening democracy in the country. The verdict was made in a case related to the trial of civilians in a military court after the May 9, 2023, riot. Ruling cae from Islamabad’s top court’s constitutional bench, clearing the path for military trials.
May 9, 2023 Riot
After the May 9, 2023, riot, Asim Munir started putting civilians on trial in military courts using the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act. Human rights groups criticised this decision. Later, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled that these trials were against the Constitution. Asim Munir faced criticism for supporting the removal of Afghan refugees who were living in Pakistan without legal documents, even though many of them were in tough situations.
Seven-Member Bench
A seven-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, delivered the verdict on May 7. The judgment followed hearings on several intra-court appeals challenging the Court’s earlier decision from October 2023. Additionally, Several groups, including law enforcement agencies, asked the court to cancel the earlier decision. They wanted military courts to be allowed to try civilians under military laws. These requests were made through review petitions.
Delivering a 5-2 split verdict, Justice Aminuddin Khan read out the 10-page order upholding the appeals, thereby paving the way for civilians involved in the May 9, 2023, attacks to be tried in military courts.
According to the India Today report, Pakistan’s apex court restored three sections of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, that were struck down in 2023, reported Karachi-based Dawn on Wednesday.
More Power To The General Amid India-Pak Conflict
The Pakistan Supreme Court’s latest ruling couldn’t have come at a more critical time. As tensions with India escalate following the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, all eyes are on General Asim Munir. Once seen as a powerful figure, Munir is now facing growing unpopularity at home. According to reports, a group within the military has arrested and removed Army Chief General Asim Munir. The development has sparked confusion and tension across Pakistan and the region. Some sources also suggest that General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is likely to replace Munir.
His recent speeches- evoking the old “two-nation theory,” calling Kashmir Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” and warning of fierce retaliation- seem to reflect a man under pressure, trying to reclaim control by stoking nationalist emotions. And this speech came days before the Pahalgam terror attack.
In this backdrop, the court’s decision to allow military trials for civilians gives Munir a much-needed breather. With internal resistance simmering in places like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and critics questioning the army’s role in politics, this ruling arms him with a tool to silence dissent.
