Amid preparations for Eid, Pakistan’s military courts have granted reprieve to 20 individuals involved in the May 9 violence following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Army chief General Asim Munir’s pardon led to the release of these convicts, pending the final decision of the Supreme Court. The riots, triggered by Khan’s arrest, resulted in attacks on key Army installations and government buildings, causing widespread damage.
The Supreme Court, currently reviewing intra-court appeals against military trials of civilians, had previously ruled against such trials, advocating for civilian criminal court proceedings instead. Despite this, the issue of trying civilians in military courts remains pending, with the final adjudication expected in the coming weeks. The release of these convicts is part of broader legal proceedings surrounding the aftermath of the riots, emphasizing the complexities of justice and governance in Pakistan.